Visitors reliving life of an outlaw

Thousands of people have already visited this year’s Robin Hood Festival at the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre, Edwinstowe.

The event, now in its 26th year, is organised by Nottinghamshire County Council to mark the life of the famous outlaw. It ends on Sunday, August 2.

It got under way on Monday with a grand opening ceremony in the jousting arena.

Visitors were able to see Robin Hood and his Merry Men do battle with the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

Other members of the festival cast made themselves known to young and old including Alan a’Dale and Festa, What A Palaver, Zebediah the Ratcatcher and the Medieval Maniaz.

Throughout the week the medieval stunt group, Legends, recreated the daring exploits of the legendary outlaw.

The final action-packed skirmishes take place tomorrow and Sunday.

Ye Olde Redtail Falconry will be in action on Sunday.

Visitors have been able to have a go at archery and firing the longbow down by the Major Oak. There were open-air theatre performances and evening workshops.

The final event takes place tomorrow night with An Evening Of Medieval Merriment. Visitors are invited to join Robin, his merry band of men and festival entertainers for a night of mayhem.

Organisers are hoping to beat last year’s total attendance of 75,000 visitors.