Robin Hood Festival starts in Sherwood Forest

The Robin Hood festival takes place today in Sherwood Forest Credit: ITV Central

Today marks the start of the Robin Hood Festival - an annual celebration of the UK's most famous outlaw.

The event will run for seven days and will take place in Nottingham's Sherwood Forest.

The festival will showcase archery, falconry, jousting and medieval entertainment in the form of music, street performance, and adventure tales.

Timetable of activities:

  • Wednesday - Falconry 12.00 noon & 2pm, Jousting 2.30pm

  • Saturday - Falconry 12.00 noon & 2pm, Jousting 2.30pm

  • Sunday - Falconry 12.30 & 2.15pm, Jousting 3pm

The event is free and will take place at Sherwood Forest's Visitor Centre Credit: ITV Central News

Nottinghamshire County Council have organised the event, which is now in it's 28th year.

Things you might not know about the Legend of Robin Hood:

  • The earliest reference to Robin Hood was in 1377, in a poem by William Langland called "The vision of William concerning Piers Plowman". Other historical evidence places Robin anywhere between 1190 - 1307.

  • The longbow was Robin's weapon of choice, made from the English yew tree.

  • One legend says that Robin Hood was killed by his cousin, because she didn't want him to find out that she was having an affair. Another tale is that a monk murdered him, even though he'd been brought in to help.

The 'Major Oak' at the heart of Sherwood Forest, located near the historic village of Edwinstowe in North Nottinghamshire Credit: PA