The Big Weekend has arrived in Ashby and the National Forest as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival.

North West Leicestershire is hosting a series of events from Today (Thursday) to Monday, February 7.

North West Leicestershire District Council has worked with the festival organiser to bring events into the National Forest area during the first weekend of the festival, resulting in a feast of comedy entertainment - for all ages.

Venues such as Coalville's Newmarket, Century Theatre, Conkers and the Lyric Rooms in Ashby are on board, along with other smaller venues such as Coalville Escape Rooms and Ashby and Coalville libraries to ensure a real variety of performances.

Here is what you can see in the Ashby area over the next few days.

Tonight (Thursday), Ashby's Lyric Rooms hosts a comedy night featuring the award-winning Nathan Caton, star of radio and TV, including TV's Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Russell Howard's Good News and BBC Radio 4's 'Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing', which had its 3rd series in 2014.

He started his comedy career as a 19 year old and immediately started winning awards. He has been called the most exciting young black comic on the circuit.

Details are HERE.

Tomorrow (Friday), Conkers in Moira is staging an Only Fools and Horses tribute night.

The price also includes a three course meal and post show disco.

Conkers says: "You will simply love this hilarious tribute featuring all of your favourite bits from the classic sitcom. There's everything from Batman and Robin to Blow up Dolls, from Hooky Goods to club singer, Tony Aneglino's infamous performance of 'Crying'.

"Del Boy's up to his old tricks, Rodney's on the run from Damien, Trigger's lost his broom and Uncle Albert's desperate to sing his sea shanty.

"Classic comedy chaos as only the Trotters could serve up. You know it makes sense!"

Details can be found HERE.

Also on Friday, Ashby Library has something for the youngsters with Giggly Wriggly Reader.

This is one for children under five - and grown ups can go along too!

There will be funny stories and songs to laugh and dance along to.

Who can make the funniest elephant noise and who will have the best giraffe dancing legs?

There will be light-hearted picture books and silly songs to enjoy at Ashby library.

Full details are HERE.

On Saturday, Conkers has another event with Lee Lard's Peter Kay Tribute.

The most authentic and enjoyable impressionists of the comedian, Peter Kay. Offering stellar routines and witty gags performed in the same vein as the Bolton-born superstar. Performing with a true likeness, endearing attitude and quick wit! Presented with Jason Stampe & Jon Pearson (from Big Deal Comedy)

Now in his 16th year and with more than 3,000 performances under his belt, Lee Lard is still being voted the most popular comedy tribute act in the UK. Lee's tribute to Bolton funny man Peter Kay has now been enjoyed by thousands of fans throughout the UK and abroad.

Full details are HERE.

Also on Saturday, Moira Furnace stages Fables and Folk Stories for children and adults.

From 11am - 12pm it is Silly Stories and Funny Fables for Children.

A chance for the younger ones to listen to and join in with some very silly stories that will have them giggling and laughing for the whole hour within our wonderful, dry and warm museum.

Later, between 1:30pm - 3pm there is Funny Folk Tales for Grown-ups.

This is your chance to join Tom on a story walk around the site to listen to some rather raucous tales, definitely not for children, which will hopefully put a smile on your face, no matter what the weather.

Full details are HERE.

Elsewhere, there is live music to be had.

The White Hart in Market Street has a set from Top Secret on Saturday night.

The word's out about this awesome new band.

Top secret are described as playing a mix of everything from the 1960s until the present day and the entry is free.

It's a walk in event at 9pm and the pub has a late licence.

More details are HERE.

The Greyhound at Boundary also has music on Saturday.

Murder of Crows are playing live and you can find out more details HERE.

On Sunday, Brew in Market Street has more Sunday afternoon music.

A Lazy Sunday Afternoon Acoustic Session with Leah Wlcx will be happening between 3-5pm.

Details are HERE.

Looking further ahead, the Ashby Civic Society is holding its latest talk on Tuesday at the St Helen's Heritage Centre - this time it is 'Famous Industrialists of Leicestershire.

More details are HERE.

Remember, if you have an event - large or small, comedy gig to pub quiz - we want to hear about it.

Go to our What's On page on the Ashby Nub News website and click the black Nub It button - fill in the details, add a photo and press the submit button.

Or follow this link HERE.

We will do the rest.