Whitby Krampus Run returning to Sherwood’s RSPB reserve, Edwinstowe, as part of Sherwood Forest’s Wassailing Weekend

Those attending an ancient ceremony hosted by none other than the Sheriff of Nottingham in Sherwood Forest should keep an eye out for mischief makers.

The Whitby Krampus Run returns to Sherwood’s RSPB reserve at Edwinstowe as part of the forest’s Wassailing Weekend on Saturday and Sunday January 18 and 19.

The Sheriff and his nemesis Robin Hood are set to join forces to lead the ceremony, where they will express their hopes for the health of the forest in the year ahead.

However the Krampus, a horned, half-goat, half-human figure which have been celebrated in Central and Eastern Alpine folklore for centuries, will also be close at hand.

The event begins on the Saturday with lantern-making craft sessions at the Visitor Centre in Forest Corner, where the light-bearing lanterns will help to light the way back to the Centre from the Major Oak as the sun begins to set. Guests can also make birdseed shakers to startle the Krampus.

From 12pm, the Sheriff will hold court down at the Major Oak, joined by the Rattlejag Morris dancing troupe at around 2.30pm as the wassailing ceremony gets underway.

As the Krampus emerge from the shadows to claim the forest for the night, visitors will set out on their lantern parade back the centre.

Then on Sunday at 12noon, the Sheriff and Robin will return to lead a noisy parade through the forest to send the Krampus packing.

Visitors should bring pots, pans, and other items to bang on the route back to the Major Oak. Dressing up and wearing an interesting hat or another curious item of headgear is also encouraged.

The Sheriff will then complete the wassailing ceremony, and whether the Krampus makes an appearance or not, visitors will have to wait and see.

There will be performances from the Lady Bay Revellers Morris dancing group, the Hucknall Ukelele Group and the Calverton Real Ale and Plough Play Preservation Society, which will perform another of their hilarious traditional mummers plays at the Oak.

For more information, go to the reserve website www.visitsherwood.co.uk or follow the reserve’s Facebook page @visitsherwood

The event is free (parking charges apply), although there will be a small charge for craft activities.