5 things to do in the East Midlands this weekend

The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker takes to stage at De Montfort Hall in Leicester this weekend. The fantasy ballet begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. When midnight strikes, the stage is transformed into a fair-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, where toy dolls spring to life and the audience travel through the Land of Snow.

Family History Surgery
Head along to Hucknall Library in Nottinghamshire on Saturday morning for some expert help and advice from volunteers on how to get started with your family tree. It is the perfect opportunity to learn more about your past and get to know who your ancestors were.

Valentines Fair
Artisans will showcase their handmade and homemade gifts and treats for that special someone this Sunday in time for Valentine’s Day. Taking place at Leicester Racecourse, hundreds of talented people will be selling their arts and crafts, with some of the very best bands, vintage gifts and creative makers from across the UK coming to the venue.

The Place Is Here
Nottingham Contemporary will be host to The Place Is Here this weekend. The exhibition looks at 1980s Britain, when there was a significant movement of Black artists, film makers, thinkers and institutions explored their relationship with Britain’s colonial past. It aims to examine the politics of the time in works that are highly resonant today.

The Definitive Rat Pack
Back in the 1960s, The Rat Pack attracted the rich and famous and were the must have tickets at the time. Now is your opportunity to see what all the fuss was about. The Definitive Rat Pack will recreate the magic era at the Curve in Leicester this weekend whilst performing the likes of That’s Amore, Mr Bojangles and many more. Find out more here.