Shop pre-loved at Sutton in Ashfield’s latest Baby Market and enjoy half-term fun for all the family

In November 2023, Sutton in Ashfield Library hosted their second annual Christmas market where local creators were invited to sell their handmade goods, plus shoppers were treated to a performance from the Rolls Royce Rollers choir and a visit from one of Santa’s very own elves. The day was a festive spectacular, showcasing over twenty stallholders and attracting a crowd of over 400 from the local community. Now, following this, the library aims to further unite the community with their first ever Baby Market.  

Baby Markets, sometimes termed Mummy Markets, are comparable to the traditional car-boot and are the perfect place for parents and parents-to-be to meet, share recommendations and purchase lightly used items to add to their little one’s wardrobe. In an age where sustainability is the aim but not always the reality where cost is concerned, this opportunity reflects Inspire’s Green values and provides the opportunity to protect the planet right here at your local library. At their market, Sutton in Ashfield Library will also be welcoming colleagues from the Summer House Children’s Centre, Nottinghamshire’s Family Information Service and other local organisations who will be available to give help and advice on all things early years including weaning, development, and childcare support. The event will take place on Thursday 22 February between 10am and 2pm, with free entry to all. Last minute stallholder applications are welcome, with a charge of £5 per table applicable.  

Families can also enjoy a wealth of other activities together this February, taking place across the locality in Sutton in Ashfield, Huthwaite, Skegby and Stanton Hill, and Ladybrook libraries. With parental supervision, children across the area can join in with Chinese New Year festivities, ringing in the new year with a handmade moveable dragon puppet. From the celebrations of China to that of New Orleans, visitors to Sutton in Ashfield will then be treated to a Mardi Gras crafting spectacular where they can make colourful masks to mark the holiday. From now until the end of February, little ones can also take part in a Pancake Hunt, completing a worksheet and submitting to their prize draw to win a fun half-term treat.  

Regular events continue to run alongside all the one-off activities, with Sutton in Ashfield Library providing three Rattle, Rhyme and Roll sessions per week for under 5s. The sessions are the perfect chance for parents to meet while their children socialise and have a great time singing along to their favourite nursery rhymes. Children have long-since enjoyed their weekly Lego Club too, taking place every Saturday morning. All their events are free of charge, meaning families with children young and old can enjoy a variety of activities with little to no impact on their outgoings! 

Further information on all the events mentioned are below, and full listings can be found for libraries across Nottinghamshire at inspireculture.org.uk/half-term 

To stay up to date with events at libraries in and around Sutton in Ashfield, follow the library team on Facebook @InspireSuttonLibrary

Sutton in Ashfield 

Author visit: Jessica Bowers 

Saturday 10 February, 11:30am - 12:15pm 

Year of the Dragon celebrations 

Tuesday 13 February, 11am - 12pm 

Mardi Gras celebrations 

Saturday 17 February, 11am - 12pm 

Lego Club 

Every Saturday 10am - 11am 

Pancake Hunt 

Throughout February during normal opening hours 

Huthwaite 

Year of the Dragon celebrations 

Friday 16 February, 3:30pm – 4:30pm 

Pancake Hunt 

Throughout February during normal opening hours

Ladybrook 

Year of the Dragon celebrations 

Thursday 15 February, 10am – 11:30am 

Pancake Hunt 

Throughout February during normal opening hours 

Skegby and Stanton Hill 

Year of the Dragon celebrations 

Friday 16 February, 2pm  - 3pm 

Pancake Hunt 

Throughout February during normal opening hours