Nottinghamshire’s rich sporting heritage is to celebrated with a week-long series of events across the county, starting on 26 September.

From a free day at the races and talks about 150 years of Nottingham Forest, to a look inside the famous Long Room at Trent Bridge and a free VIP experience at Mansfield Rugby Club – a whole host of events are taking place during Nottinghamshire Sports Heritage Week (26 September to 3rd October).

Nottinghamshire County Council has teamed up with a range of local sports venues and heritage organisations to organise the series, which coincide with the national Sporting Heritage Day, held on 30 September.

Many of the events are free of charge. Full details, including timings and if booking is required is available at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/sportsheritage

The programme includes:

Mansfield Sports Heritage celebration event, including demonstrations from local clubs and hands-on sporting activities in Mansfield Market Place on 26 September, 11am-3pm.

Free entry to Nottingham Races meeting on 30 September. Just mention Notts Sports Heritage at the gate and show proof that you have a NG, S or DN postcode.

Cricket expert Peter Wynne-Thomas hosts Treasures of the Trent Bridge Long Room, a rare chance to look behind the scenes in the historic pavilion on 29 September, 6.15-8.15pm. Includes an opportunity to get your cricketing memorabilia valued. Entry costs £2, plus £3 for a valuation.

From Byron to Ben Caunt, Ken Robinson leads a talk on Hucknall’s sporting legends at Hucknall Library on 3 October, 2-3pm.

Enjoy a guided tour through the history of Mansfield Rugby Club, stay on for a free buffet lunch and then watch the team in action at Eakring Road, Mansfield on 26 September, 12.30-5pm (booking required – call 07720 899 996.

Don Wright, author of Forest Forever: The Official 150th Anniversary History of the Original Reds, talks about the history of Nottingham Forest at two events – Southwell Library on 28 September at 7pm and Nottinghamshire Archives, Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham at 7pm on 1 October.

David Amos talks about the links between mining communities and sport, including legendary Notts and England fast bowler, Harold Larwood at Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library on 26 September at 11am (advanced booking required – call 01623 753 236).

Free entry to the Museum of the Horse and Famous Nottinghamshire Sports Horses exhibition at the Newcastle Arms, Tuxford from 26 September to 4 October, 10am to 4pm – just mention Notts Sports Heritage.

Arnold Library hosts ‘Nottinghamshire sporting curiosities from bygone years’ at 10.30am on 30 September. Hear about football in the 1600s, a naked rambling race and a curious cricket match played on Nottingham’s Meadows in 1971!

Councillor John Knight, Chairman of Culture Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Nottinghamshire Sporting Heritage Week is an opportunity for people to celebrate the sporting heritage of our county, which we hope can inspire more people to participate in sport and heritage activities in the future.

“We should be proud of the all conquering teams and individuals the county has produced over the years, not to mention top class sporting arenas such as Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the National Water Sports Centre and Mansfield’s Field Mill – the second-oldest football ground in the world.

“Both sport and heritage are sectors that provide a major source of community cohesion and local identity, health and well-being and education – not to mention the huge economic benefits of hosting major events and attracting visitors.

“We are extremely grateful to all the sports clubs, heritage organisations and individuals who are taking part by putting on events – it promises to be a brilliant celebration of Nottinghamshire sport – past, present and future.”