Hundreds of people poured into Mansfield town centre to join the celebration of the town being awarded Purple Flag status, which marks excellence in the management of town centres at night.

Footfall figures show that the number of people in the town rose by 24% to see a steel pan band performance, street performers, a colliery band, a flash mob dance, an evening market, and late-night opening in the Four Seasons shopping centre and Mansfield Museum.

There was a health and beauty show in the library and young performers staged an after-show party.
Restaurants offered discounts on meals and licensed premises, including the Bowl in Hand and Cheeky Monkey, served purple cocktails and shots.

There is still a chance to catch some of the party attractions. A pop-up photography exhibition in Queen’s Place, which includes Neil Pledger’s Footprints of Mansfield series, showing how Mansfield has changed since the 60s and 70s, is to open on Friday and Saturday nights from 5pm to 8pm for the next few weeks.

A light box exhibition will remain in front of the old Town Hall until May 17 before it heads off to London.

Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID) manager Sarah Nelson, who led planning for the party, said: “It was a great evening, with a fantastic atmosphere and plenty to enjoy.

“It gave people a chance to experience venues like the Old Library, museum and the library that do provide entertainment and activities throughout the year.

“The party proved the point that Mansfield is a great, safe place in which people of all ages can enjoy an evening out.”

Work to gain the award was led by a team set up in 2013 and involving representatives from Mansfield Association of Licensed Venues (MALV), Mansfield BID, Mansfield District Council, Mansfield Partnership Against Crime (MPAC) and the police. Many other organisations have also played a role in the work.