This year’s Nottinghamshire Day will be celebrated with a special event as part of the annual Robin Hood Festival at Sherwood Forest.

Friday 25 August 2023 will mark the third official recognition of Nottinghamshire Day.

Nottinghamshire Day is an opportunity for the county to come together and recognise all the things that make it great - our history, heritage, identity, culture, and local traditions.

Following the official marking of Nottinghamshire Day itself on Friday 25 August, communities are invited to the free celebratory event taking place as part of Robin Hood Festival on Saturday 26 August, from 10am until 4pm.

Back by popular demand, crowd favourites, The Sherwood Outlaws, will be returning to bring the legend of Robin Hood to life with their all-action arena show. Friar Tuck is missing, and so are the deeds to the Greenwood. Will the Sheriff of Nottingham’s troops get the better of the outlaws in combat? Or will Robin and his Merry Band prove too skilled with the blade and the bow? Don’t miss the spectacular two-part event.

New for this year is a family-focused zone where festivalgoers of all ages can get involved.

Inspire, which delivers library services on behalf of the council, and the Miner 2 Major project, which focusses on Sherwood Forest, its important habitats, special species, and rich heritage will also be joining in the celebrations. They’ll be hosting some fun Big Draw 2023 activities in the3 family zone, and showcasing the Time 2 Connect photography project, working with renowned portrait photographer Alistair Morrison to capture people and places around Nottinghamshire.

Throughout the day, there will be a host of interactive events and activities including storytelling, guided walks, medieval musicians, quizzes, archery, and axe throwing, plus more.

Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:

“I am delighted that we are once again marking Nottinghamshire Day to celebrate all that’s great about our county – from the cultural attractions, world-class green spaces, and, of course, the residents who make this county such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

“We’re celebrating with a special event at Sherwood Forest, and this year’s line-up is sure to delight attendees of all ages.

“As part of the finale weekend of Robin Hood Festival, you’ll be able to enjoy some activities inspired by our most famous legend – see him in battle alongside Lady Marian and his Merry Men, and why not try your hand at a spot of archery too?

“There are lots of great partner organisations involved in the day. It’ll be wonderful to be back at the home of Robin Hood, RSPB Sherwood Forest, as part of their popular Robin Hood Festival, as well as working with Inspire libraries and archives, our outdoor education service Notts Outdoors, and Veolia, our waste and recycling partners, among many others.

“We also have a range of stallholders from local organisations who will be bringing along some fun activities for everyone to take part in.”

Working with our partners RSPB, which manages the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve on behalf of the county council, this event coincides with the final weekend of the much-loved Robin Hood Festival.

Jess Dumoulin, visitor experience manager at RSPB Sherwood Forest, said: “We’re delighted to host the Nottinghamshire Day Festival at Sherwood Forest once again.

“This is such an iconic location for the county in so many ways that it is the perfect fit for this celebration day.

“It absolutely complements the summer-long Robin Hood Festival, championing the legend of Nottinghamshire’s outlaw hero, our heritage and our wonderful wildlife.”

Nottinghamshire Day Festival entrance is free and for those travelling via car, parking will be £10 per vehicle, per day in line with all events at this venue over the bank holiday weekend.

Stagecoach run services to Sherwood Forest on the Sherwood Arrow route, and customers can benefit from the current £2 price cap on single fares.

For more details please visit www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables