MOVIE MAGIC

We begin the summer in style with a cinematic treat – our first ever outdoor movie night.

We start with Disney’s classic animated telling of the Robin Hood legend at 4pm and the medieval blockbuster A Knight’s Tale at 7pm.

Tickets (per film) are £10 for adults and £7.50 for children (£8 and £6 respectively for RSPB members). Children aged two and under go free.

We’ll also be showing a brilliant new film about the forest from the Miner2Major Landscape Partnership Scheme, which is supporting the event.

Working with Inspire Youth Arts, the film has been scripted, filmed and animated by young people from across Nottinghamshire, who also composed and performed the soundtrack.

Book your tickets for Robin Hood and A Knight’s Tale.

Let The Jousting Commence

Weekend Two is all action with the fabulous Knights Of Nottingham, who will be putting on a dazzling Robin Hood-themed show on Saturday and Sunday, sponsored by our good friends at Nottingham Castle.

Magician Nathaniel Bagshot will have you mesmerised with his tricks and conjuring, and circus performer Helter Skelter will be greeting our visitors and mingling with the crowds.

There’ll be storytelling harking back to the days of Robin Hood from Robert of Wentbridge, while the Wythe Retinue will provide a fascinating recreation of life in the Middle Ages.

If it all sounds like it’s all under control, don’t worry. The hilarious Medieval Maniax return on Sunday and Monday to cause comedy chaos.

The weekend also marks the start of our summer-long family trail. Walk around the Forest to find the missing words in Robin’s letters to Maid Marian.

Saturday 23rd July

11am, Major Oak: Wythe Retinue demonstration

11.30am, Amphitheatre: Nathaniel Bagshot

12pm, Main arena: Knights of Nottingham

2pm, Major Oak: Wythe Retinue demonstration

2.30pm, Amphitheatre: Nathaniel Bagshot

3pm, Main arena: Knights of Nottingham

Throughout the day: Have a Go Archery/Robert of Wentbridge/Sloe Gin/Helter Skelter/Guided Walks

 

Sunday 24th July

11am, Amphitheatre: Medieval Maniax

11am, Major Oak: Wythe Retinue

12pm, Main arena: Knights of Nottingham

1pm, Amphitheatre: Nathaniel Bagshot

2pm, Amphitheatre: Medieval Maniax

2pm, Major Oak: Wythe Retinue

3pm, Main arena: Knights of Nottingham

Throughout the day: Have a Go Archery/Robert of Wentbridge/Sloe Gin/Helter Skelter/Guided Walks

 

Monday 25th July

11am, Amphitheatre: Nathaniel Bagshot

12pm, Amphitheatre: Medieval Maniax

2pm, Amphitheatre: Nathaniel Bagshot

3pm, Amphitheatre: Medieval Maniax

Throughout the day: Robert of Wentbridge/Sloe Gin/Helter Skelter/Guided Walks

STEP BACK IN TIME

By popular demand, we tone things down for weekend three for a few days of quiet enjoyment of the forest.

But there’ll still be plenty of action with our Medieval Sports Day for those with an insatiable competitive streak, no matter what period of history it is!

We’ll have the Lord Thomas Stanley Retinue here, bringing the Tudor period to life in their brilliantly-observed and well-armed encampment.

There will be trails and bug hunts too for families to do.

THE HEROES’ RETURN

It’s jousting time again! We are thrilled to confirm the return of the incredible equine skills display team The Cavalry of Heroes

They take centre stage across the weekend with their spectacular show of horsemanship to tell the story of Robin Hood’s battles with the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham.

Friday and Saturday’s shows are also BSL-interpreted.

The age of the Wars of the Roses are re-enacted by the superb Ferrers Household with their cast of wonderfully-skilled craftspeople, demonstrating the traditions and ingenuity of the 15th Century.

We’ll have spellbinding performances from fire-eater What A Palaver, who also promises “juggling, danger, excitement and stupidity” too!

Multi-talented children’s entertainer Bill Brookman will also keep you on your toes, and if that wasn’t enough, there’ll also be medieval music from the Crazy Dutch trio.

Please note that the £10 parking charge will apply on all dates of this weekend.

Thursday 4th August

10.30am, Amphitheatre: Crazy Dutch

11.30am, Major Oak: Bill Brookman

11.30am, Main Arena: Cavalry of Heroes

1pm, Amphitheatre: Bill Brookman

3pm, Main Arena: Cavalry of Heroes

3pm, Major Oak: Bill Brookman

4pm, Amphitheatre: Crazy Dutch

Throughout the Day: Have a Go Archery/Sloe Gin/Helter Skelter/Blast from Past

 

Friday 5th August

10.30am, Amphitheatre: Crazy Dutch

11.30am, Main Arena: Cavalry of Heroes

11.30am, Major Oak: Bill Brookman

12.30pm, Major Oak: What a Palaver

1pm, Amphitheatre: Bill Brookman

2pm, Amphitheatre: What A Palaver

3pm, Main Arena: Cavalry of Heroes

3pm, Major Oak: Bill Brookman

4pm, Amphitheatre: Crazy Dutch

Throughout the Day: Have a Go Archery/Sloe Gin/Helter Skelter/Blast from Past

 

Saturday 6th August

10.30am, Amphitheatre: Crazy Dutch

11am, Major Oak: Ferrers Household demonstration

11.30am, Main Arena: Cavalry of Heroes

12.30pm, Major Oak: What A Palaver

12.30pm, Amphitheatre: Bill Brookman

2pm, Amphitheatre: What A Palaver

2pm, Major Oak: Ferrers Household demonstration

3pm, Main Arena: Cavalry of Heroes

3pm, Major Oak: Bill Brookman

4pm, Amphitheatre: Crazy Dutch

Throughout the Day: Have A Go Archery/Sloe Gin/Helter Skelter/Blast from Past

 

Sunday 7th August

10.30am, Amphitheatre: Crazy Dutch

11am, Major Oak: Ferrers Household demonstration

11.30am, Main Arena: Cavalry of Heroes

12.30pm, Major Oak: What A Palaver

12.30pm, Amphitheatre: Bill Brookman

2pm, Amphitheatre: What A Palaver

2pm, Major Oak: Ferrers Household demonstration

3pm, Main Arena: Cavalry of Heroes

3pm, Major Oak: Bill Brookman

4pm, Amphitheatre: Crazy Dutch

Throughout the Day: Have A Go Archery/Sloe Gin/Helter Skelter/Blast from Past

Viking invasion!

This is the weekend when the Vikings land to celebrate the forest’s Norse past.

The formidable Regia Anglorum bring their incredible recreation to Robin Hood’s Sherwood, transforming our events field into a camp that could be straight out of the early Middle Ages.

As well as re-enacting life from the time of the Viking occupation of England, there will be warrior training in the arena, and a chance to talk to the experts about the techniques and weaponry that the formidable Norse warriors would use.

The group use an ornate replica of a Viking boat that would have been used for funeral ceremonies before unleashing a battle against their Saxon enemies.

Down at the Major Oak, storytellers and musicians Past Imagined will be entertaining visitors throughout the day. There’ll be the chance to explore the forest with them in the evening on their Twilight Tales.

Traditional archery specialists Reach the Core will once again be at the Major Oak offering Have A Go Archery sessions at £5 for six arrows.

Please note that the £10 event parking charge applies on both days.

 

Saturday 13th August

All day, Events Field: Regia Anglorum re-enactment demonstration

All day, Major Oak: Have a Go Archery

All day Major Oak: Past Imagined storytelling – 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm

10.30am, Main Arena: Viking Warrior Training

2pm, Amphitheatre: Viking funeral ceremony

3pm, Main Arena: Vikings v Saxons Battle

7pm, Visitor Centre: Twilight Tales (booking required)

 

Sunday 14th August

All day, Events Field: Regia Anglorum re-enactment demonstration

All day, Major Oak: Have A Go Archery

All day, Major Oak: Past Imagined storytelling – 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm

10.30am, Main Arena: Viking Warrior Training

2pm, Amphitheatre: Viking funeral ceremony

3pm, Main Arena: Vikings v Saxons Battle

 

NATURE’S HOME

We bring everything up to the present day with a weekend dedicated to the work of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which manages the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve.

As well as finding out about the hugely important work of the UK’s largest conservation charity, we’ll also have a first ever dog show at Sherwood!

Tailwagger Dog Display Team will be here all weekend and you can enter your pooch in a range of agility and obedience tests, and even a novelty Robin Hood-themed lookalike contest.

We’ll also have authentic recreations of the 13th Century life and combat from the House of the Twin-Tailed Lion on Saturday and Sunday, as well as archery at the Major Oak with Reach the Core.

 

Friday 19th August 

11am-4pm: Have a go sessions in the agility ring

12.30pm: Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme testing and demonstrations

1pm-3.30pm: Novelty dog show

3.30pm: Tournament games

 

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August

All day: Nature’s Home RSPB display

All day, Major Oak: House of the Twin-Tailed Lion demonstrations

All day, Major Oak: Have a Go Archery

 

Dog Show times

11am-4pm: Have a go sessions in the agility ring

12pm: Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme testing and demonstrations

12.30pm: Musical display

1pm-3.30pm: Novelty dog show

3.30pm: Tournament games

 

Monday

Dog Show times

11am – 4pm: Have a go sessions in the agility ring

12.30pm: Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme testing and demonstrations

1.30pm-3.30pm: Novelty dog show

3.30pm: Tournament games

 

Novelty dog show times and categories:

1pm: Robin Wuf fancy dress (dogs dressed as Robin Hood characters)

1.20pm: Little John’s Warrior Hounds (over 30kg)

1.40pm: Much the Millers Son’s miniature companion (below 30kg)

2pm: Friar Tuck’s Golden Oldie

2.20pm: Sheriff of Nottingham’s Best Trickster (Naughtiest dog)

2.40pm: Will Scarlett’s handsomest/prettiest dog

3.00pm: Maid Marion’s best child dog handler

MEET THE OUTLAWS

We finish the summer in style with another fabulous weekend of things to keep visitors entertained and intrigued.

We are delighted to be working with Nottinghamshire County Council, which will be hosting the Nottinghamshire Day Festival on 27th August. You can find out all about what will be happening on the day here.

Join The Sherwood Outlaws on Sunday 28th  and Monday 29th August, as they bring their thrilling combat show “The Lord of Sherwood” to life. Robin will be leading his Merry band as they do battle against the Sheriff and his forces for the title of Lord of Sherwood.

Which side will you choose? Team outlaw or team sheriff?

Shows are at 11.30am and 3pm on the events field. You will also be able to meet the characters after each show for photos, including all your favourites from the Robin Hood Legend!

We’ll welcome back the 15th Century re-enactment troupe the Lord Thomas Stanley Retinue, comedy duo Medieval Maniax, storyteller Robert of Wentbridge and magician Nathaniel Bagshot.

Please note that the £10 parking charge applies on 27th-29th August.

Prices

With the exception of the outdoor cinema event (see above), all other events and shows are free, although there is a charge for some activities, such as archery.

Parking charges

Parking on certain event days is £10 per vehicle per day for all visitors using our car parks. This includes RSPB members because these are special events.

These days are:

• 23^rd and 24^th July – Knights of Nottingham event
• 4^th-7^th August – Cavalry of Heroes event
• 13^th and 14^th August – Viking Invasion event
• 27^th-29^th August – The Sherwood Outlaws event

On all other dates, parking is free for RSPB members and £5 per day for non-members.

Entry is on a first come, first served basis. To make it easier, why not use the PaybyPhone app before you arrive on the day you plan to come along to fast track entry to the car park?

Our location code for PaybyPhone is 806294.

Please have confirmation of your purchase available on your mobile phone or device for checking.

You can pay for parking with cash or by contactless device at the pay and display machines in our car parks.

When visiting us for the Festival, please avoid parking on neighbouring residential streets.

There should be ample parking within our main and accessible car parks. We can also provide additional spaces next to the main car park.

However, please ensure you arrive in good time for the events. This helps avoid queueing at our car parks.

 

Start and finish times

Unless stated, events and activities will be taking place across the reserve between 11am and 4pm on each day.

Safety first

Please take care whilst enjoying this busy event. For your safety, please:

• Take care near the archery stand – stay behind the rope barriers and never walk behind the targets.
• Stay behind the fencing in our arena whilst watching the tournaments.
• Supervise children at all times
• Keep dogs on leads
• Be aware that some shows feature loud bangs
• Take care of valuables on site and do not leave anything on display in your vehicle.

First aid

First aid facilities and assistance are available. Please ask a member of staff or follow the signs.

Public toilets

There are only toilets at the Visitor Centre, which also has accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility. There are no toilets in the forest.

Alternative facilities are available at the Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre (opposite the Visitor Centre) or in Edwinstowe village

Refreshments and souvenirs

Our Visitor Centre has a selection of refreshments, including snacks, sandwiches, and hot and cold drinks. Ice creams available at the Major Oak. Pop into our shop or visit one of our festival stalls for a souvenir of your day!

Picnics

Have fun enjoying a picnic around the site but please ensure you dispose of your rubbish responsibly and consider taking it home to help keep our forest clean and tidy during this busy event. Barbeques are not allowed anywhere on site, including the car parks.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed at the festival but please be aware it is a very busy event and may not be a comfortable environment for some dogs. They must be kept on leads at all times and cannot be left in vehicles. Please clean up after your dog and use the bins provided around our nature reserve.

Limited mobility

We have a motorised scooter for hire at the Visitor Centre at £2 per hour which must be pre-booked by calling 01623 677321 or emailing sherwoodforest@rspb.org.uk.

Bad weather

The festival is an outdoor event and performances or events may need to be changed or cancelled at short notice.

Photography

Please note there will be photography and filming at the event throughout the week. The RSPB and our partners will use this for promotion of the event, on our website, social media channels and marketing materials. If you do not wish to be in any of these photos, please avoid the photographer or speak to our team for more details.

Need more information?

We recommend you go to the Plan Your Visit page of this website to find out more about coming to the reserve for the Festival.

Alternatively, call us on 01623 677321 or email sherwoodforest@rspb.org.uk