Mansfield Museum is trumpeting its colourful new free exhibition about a children’s favourite storybook character.

Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee celebrates more than 30 years of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.

The interactive exhibition, which runs until 20th August, includes artwork and manuscripts from the popular children’s books.

And from 26th July and throughout August its daily Art Beat! craft sessions, from 10am to 12noon every Tuesday to Friday, sometimes have an Elmer theme.

The always-popular Lego days are returning on Fridays 4th and 18th August, as well as 1st September.

There are also relaxed Elmer-themed storytelling sessions on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday, 17th August, and Toys and Board Games Days on Fridays 11th and 25th August.

And running from Tuesday, 22nd August until Saturday, 19th September, Thingamabobas is a playful, sensory experience where participants meet and interact with a circus troupe of mechanical robots.

The museum thanked Arts Council funding for helping to bring touring exhibitions to the town free.

Forthcoming activities at Mansfield Museum include:

Wednesday 26 July – Art Beat! Elmer ears

Thursday 27 July – The Big Draw – Elmer and Friends

Friday 28 July – Toys and Board Games Day

Tuesday 1 – Art Beat! Elmer and Friends garland

Wednesday 2, Thursday 17 – Relaxed Elmer storytelling sessions

Friday 4, Friday 18 and 1st September
– Lego Day!

Tuesday 8 – Art Beat! Elmer Jungle

Wednesday 9 – Art Beat! Not Now Bernard stick puppets

Thursday 10 – Art Beat! Elmer masks

Friday 11 and Friday 25 – Toys and Board Games Day

Tuesday 15 – Art Beat! Milk bottle Elmer

Wednesday 16 – Art Beat! Too Can Toucan handprints

Tuesday 22 – Art Beat! Paper plate clown

Wednesday 23 – Art Beat! Ring toss game

Thursday 24 – Art Beat! Ice cream plate

Tuesday 29 – Art Beat! Make your own juggling balls

Wednesday 30 – Art Beat! Carousel

Thursday 31 – Art Beat! Lolly stick clowns