🌞 What’s On in Bassetlaw This Summer: Don’t Miss These Local Highlights!
Summer has arrived in Bassetlaw – and while the sun may not always shine, our local calendar is bursting with community spirit, cultural flair and some truly unique events. Whether you're in Retford, Worksop or the surrounding villages, there’s never been a better time to step out and explore what’s happening right on your doorstep.
🏳️🌈 Worksop Pride – Saturday 12th July
Location: Worksop Town Centre
Perfect for: Families, allies, everyone!
It’s bold, it’s beautiful – and it’s back. Worksop Pride returns to the town centre with a vibrant celebration of love, inclusivity, and community. Expect live music, community stalls, glitter galore and a joyous atmosphere from start to finish. This annual event continues to grow in popularity – and rightly so. If you only attend one event this summer, make it this.
🎉 Top tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot along the parade route!
🦙 Alpacas on a Summer Evening – Thursday 17th July
Location: Bassetlaw Museum, Retford
Perfect for: Families, animal lovers, quirky date nights
Yes, you read that right. Alpacas. In the evening. In Retford. This wonderfully offbeat event invites you to meet the delightful alpacas from Oriontree while enjoying the museum’s tranquil evening setting. It’s calm, it’s quirky – and it’s surprisingly therapeutic.
🐾 Fun fact: Alpacas are known for their calming energy. Perfect after a stressful week!
🎨 Alternative Photography Workshop – Wednesday 16th July
Location: Bassetlaw Museum, Retford
Perfect for: Teens, creatives, adults seeking something different
Step away from your phone camera and enter the world of lumen photograms. This hands-on workshop will guide you through the process of creating beautiful botanical prints using sunlight and traditional techniques. It’s creative, calming and a bit of a conversation starter!
📸 Pro tip: Wear something you don’t mind getting a bit of developer on!
🏺 Family Clay Workshop – Saturday 5th July
Location: The Harley Foundation, near Welbeck
Perfect for: Children (7–16) and their grown-ups
Let’s get messy – creatively, of course! This interactive pottery session is perfect for families looking to try something new together. You’ll learn the basics of clay work, create your own masterpieces and (hopefully) take home something fridge-worthy.
🎨 Did you know? The Harley Foundation is one of the region’s best-kept cultural secrets.
🎉 Don’t Stop There… Explore Nearby!
Fancy venturing slightly further afield? Here are a few regional summer highlights also worth a visit:
- Splendour Festival – 19–20 July, Wollaton Hall. Indie giants Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs and local hero Jake Bugg headline this iconic Nottingham festival. Expect great music, food stalls and family zones.
- Nottingham Beach – 16 July to 1 September, Old Market Square. The city centre transforms into a seaside escape with sand, a paddling pool and fairground fun. Perfect for a day trip.
✍️ Have Your Say
What local event are you most excited about this summer? Is there something we’ve missed off the list? Let us know in the comments – or tag us in your photos on social media. We’d love to see how you’re spending summer in Bassetlaw.
And if you’re organising a community event, drop us a message – we’d be happy to include you in our next round-up.
📌 In Summary
From Pride parades to pottery, alpacas to alternative photography, Bassetlaw is buzzing with summer energy this year. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, a creative workshop or simply want to support your local community, now’s the time to get involved.
Don’t just let summer pass you by – make the most of it, right here at home.
