It’s that time of year again and this year’s Annual Robin Hood Festival gets underway on Monday 1st August 2016. It will be packed full of events and activities for all the family, many of which are free!
The opening ceremony starts in the Jousting Arena on the edge of Sherwood Forest at 11am. Join Robin Hood and his Merry Men as they make their way through the forest to the Major Oak. Let’s hope the evil Sheriff of Nottingham doesn’t spoil the fun!
Throughout the week there will be lots of things to see and do including traditional jesting with Bill Brookman and medieval magic from Nathaniel Bagshot. The Medieval Maniax will perform crazy comedy and spectacular stunts whilst What a Palaver present their own brand of carnival chaos.
Come along and see skirmishes between Robin and the Sheriff. Get up close and personal with beautiful birds of prey on a Walk with Hawks (pre-bookable on 01623 823202, £5 adult, £2.50 child). Take part in the Wizard Workshop and learn some devastating magic tricks (£3 each, over 8yrs only). Try your hand at archery or listen to the storytellers as they wander through the woods.
This year there will be Music in the Forest on Tuesday 2nd from 7pm – 9pm. A magical evening of music and song in the Open Air Theatre. Tickets must be pre-booked on 01623 823202 and are £5 per adult and £2 child or £12 for family (2+2). On Thursday evening you can hear Twilight Tales on a gentle story walk through the forest. Medieval Minstrel Trevor James will entertain with enchanting melodies and spellbinding tales. This must be pre-booked and tickets are £4 per person (not suitable for under 7yrs).
An Evening of Medieval Merriment takes place on Saturday 7.30pm – 10pm. Join Robin and his merry band for a fun filled evening incl BBQ. Tickets must be pre-booked and are £6 adult, £3 child and £15 family (2+2).
The highlights of the festival are the falconry displays and the jousting which takes place on Wednesday 3rd, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th. Admire the speed, grace and power of hawks, falcons and owls as they fly over the Jousting Arena. Marvel at the skill and pageantry of the horsemen as they participate in the jousting tournaments. Will you be on team Robin or team Sheriff?
The Festival draws to a close on Sunday with the colourful festival cast leading the procession from the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre to the Jousting Arena for the final battle. The Legends team take to the saddle with a daring display of horsemanship and armed combat.
Details of the festival can be found on www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhood or by ringing 44 (0) 1623 823202.
