Inspire’s FREE popular history event returns to Mansfield Central Library with a fresh new look: Hands On Heritage Day 2023

Published 2nd May 2023

It’s hands-on history for all at Inspire’s special annual heritage day at Mansfield Central Library on Saturday 13 May, 10am – 2pm.

This will be the 10th year that Mansfield has hosted this event and Inspire will be celebrating with a fun-filled day of activities and attractions for all the family. To mark 60 years since The Beatles performed in Mansfield at The Granada on West Gate where the library is now situated, there will be themed music performances from Inspire Music and Inspire Youth Arts throughout the day.

Visitors can explore pop-up museums, local history displays, find out about family history, browse local history books for sale, and get hands-on with fun crafts and activities for all the family. Organisations taking part include the University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology, Mansfield Museum, DH Lawrence Museum, Mansfield Fire Museum, Nottinghamshire Mining Museum, as well as Inspire Nottinghamshire Archives and many more.

Mrs Bs café on the mezzanine floor of the library will be open all day for visitors to purchase refreshments.

Peter Gaw, Chief Executive Officer at Inspire said: “This annual event is always a highlight on the Inspire heritage calendar. I am delighted that we can offer hands-on activities this year to make local history fun and accessible for all the family and showcase our all of our fantastic heritage and archives services to those who may not be aware of them”.

Mark Walker, Service Director for Place and Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Hands On Heritage Day is an excellent opportunity for families to get stuck into our county’s fascinating history. Visitors can expect creative crafts and fun activities for all ages and themed music performances during the day.

It’s a great reason to visit Mansfield library, enjoy the event, and find out more about the excellent resources our libraries can provide for anyone interested in researching local, community or family history”

Further information can be found at Hands On Heritage Day | Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries (inspireculture.org.uk).