The 32nd annual Robin Hood Festival has started

The 32nd Robin Hood Festival, organised by Nottinghamshire County Council, will take place every day from today (Monday, August 1), to Sunday, August 7, with a packed programme of entertainment and free family fun throughout the week from 11am to 4pm daily.

The Sherwood Arrow is the official travel partner for this year’s annual Robin Hood Festival, managed by Nottinghamshire County Council.

Children can win a Robin Hood themed goodie bag courtesy of Stagecoach East Midlands at the festival, by taking part in a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ style game hosted by the bus company. The goodie bags feature a Robin Hood themed colouring book, colouring pencils and stickers.

There is also a reminder from organisers to consider pre-booking for one of the evening events taking place during festival week – on the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Around 40,000 visitors attended the Robin Hood Festival last year. Activities and events are spread across Sherwood Forest Country Park near Edwinstowe each day. The festival is free entry but with £5 parking and provides a great day out for the family.

Expect colourful displays with costumed characters and medieval music, craft stalls, storytelling, comedy and have a go archery.

Enjoy the compelling battles between Robin Hood and his Merry Men as they take on the Sheriff of Nottingham at various times during festival week with memorable skirmishes taking place by the world famous Major Oak and elsewhere on the forest path in historic Sherwood Forest.

There are also falconry displays and live jousting tournaments on the Wednesday, Saturday and the Sunday.

Councillor John Knight, Committee Chairman for Culture, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “There is always great variety with what is on offer at the Robin Hood Festival. It promises to be another fantastic and memorable festival celebrating Nottinghamshire’s famous outlaw.”

Here are more details about the evenings of entertainment during the week:

Join some of the festival’s talented musicians for a magical evening in the Open Air Theatre at Music in the Forest on Tuesday, August 2, from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets are, adults £5, children £2, family £12 (two adults, two children) (plus £1 booking fee).

Past Imagined will lead you on a gentle story walk through the forest telling spellbinding tales accompanied by enchanting melodies from minstrel Trevor James at Twilight Tales on Thursday, August 4, at 7.30pm starting from the Visitor Centre. Tickets are £4 per person (plus £1 booking fee). The distance is around three quarters of a mile. It is not suitable for under sevens.

Let your hair down with Robin and the festival cast for An Evening of Medieval Merriment on Saturday, August 6, from 7.30pm to 10pm. Tickets are, adults £6, children £3, family £15 (two adults, two children) (plus £1 booking fee)

Refreshments will be on sale.

Call 01623 823 202 to book tickets or visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhood for more details.

Find out more about this year’s festival by visiting www.facebook.com/robinhoodfestival and @NottsCC #robinhoodfestival.