Robin Hood Festival 2025

About

Weekends from 25 July - 25 August 2025
Sherwood Forest
Free Entry | £15 Parking charge applies
Please note that some activities such as Films in the Forest and archery are chargeable

Join Sherwood Forest this summer for four weekends of entertainment from Saturday 25 July to Bnak Holiday Monday 25 August, celebrating the legend that makes Sherwood famous across the globe.

The Robin Hood Festival is a celebration of the world’s favourite outlaw and the legends which have been inspired by the landscape of Sherwood Forest.

2025 will be the 39^th Robin Hood Festival, with each attracting thousands of visitors every year from across the UK and overseas.

They come to see spectacular displays of jousting on horseback and medieval hand-to-hand combat, archery, historical re-enactment, music, comedy, children’s entertainment and much, much more.

 

Friday 25 July – Sunday 27 July | Films in the Forest 

This year, the Festival begins with another weekend of outdoor cinema.

The Films in the Forest event is now firmly established in the Festival line-up, with six films being shown on the big screen, including two Robin Hood movies.

This summer’s selection is:

*Children’s and family tickets available. Dog tickets also available.

 

 

Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 August | The Knights ride in once more

The Knights of Nottingham Medieval Jousting Display Team

The fabulous Knights of Nottingham Medieval Jousting Display team headline the show on the first weekend of August, with twice daily performances in the main arena.

Since making their Festival debut in 2022, the Knights have wowed audiences with their fantastic equestrian skills and formidable battle scenes.

Medieval Maniax

We didn’t see enough of the Medieval Maniax in 2024, so we are beyond thrilled to confirm that they will be here for the first weekend this time around!

Go Active Falconry

The incredible birds of prey brought to the Festival by Go Active Falconry fascinated and captivated the crowds in the arena last year and they are back for more graceful and mesmerising displays this year.

The Danger Show

Watch, if you dare, as the Danger Show tests the nerves and fingernails of even the hardiest of souls with its brushes with fear!

Bill Brookman

More madcap musical mayhem and entertainment from perennial Festival favourite Bill Brookman, whose shows are a treat for young and old alike!

Nathaniel Bagshot

Now you see it – now you don’t! Magician Nathanial Bagshot will have audiences not believing their eyes during his classy conjuring shows.

Simple Tom

Cheeky chappie Tom will be up to his old tricks as he roams the paths and trails. Prepare to have your ribs well and truly tickled by this Medieval trickster.

Robert of Wentbridge

Few know the ballads and tales of Robin Hood’s deeds and adventures better than Robert of Wentbridge. He may have the appearance of a lowly peasant, but he is truly rich in knowledge of the outlaw and his merry band.

Jim Munro

Tales of Robin’s cunning and daring exploits will be recounted in Little John’s Glen by master storyteller Jim Munro, with a sharp eye for detail and true sense of drama and suspense.

Sloe Gin

The sound of the lute provides a quintessentially Medieval melody and Sloe Gin will help you step back in time as you are welcomed to the forest.

De Mowbrays Musicke

Boasting an array of authentic instruments from days of yore, the hugely talented players of De Mowbrays Musicke provide the ideal soundtrack to your visit to Robin Hood’s Forest.

The Bubonic Players

Did you realise that cabbage had such healing properties? Well, allow the Bubonic Players to reveal all, using the medium of comedy and song!

Knight School

Teach them young, isn’t that what they say? And that applies to the skills of a knight too. There will be the chance to learn the ways of the warrior in this visit.

The Robin Hood Puppet Show

After a fabulous debut last year, this wonderful old school marionette puppet show returns to the Festival again with intriguing takes on the legend which may even have audiences scratching their heads (there’s a clue for you)!

 

 

Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 August | Fantasy in the Greenwood

Mystical and mythical witchers and fearsome orcs were drawn to Sherwood last summer, and they are back again in 2025!

The Academy of the Wolf

The Witchers bring their knowledge and magic to Robin Hood’s Forest, passing on their skills and learning in combat, monster theory and potion-making.

The Galactic Knights

Or perhaps you’d prefer a move to the dark side and to be enlisted in to an orc bootcamp, where battle-hardened rogues are your tutors!

What A Palaver

We missed this show so much in 2024, so we are overjoyed that the charismatic, juggling, fire-breathing crowd-puller that is What A Palaver is back in Sherwood once again!

Medieval Maniax

A second weekend of mirth and hilarity? ‘Yes please!’ say we!

Go Active Falconry

The magnificent raptors return for more magical arena shows at the Events green.

Circus Skills

Ever-popular with children, Helter Skelter Performing Arts will be delivering their amazing circus skills workshops that will have kids wowing their parents and carers in no time!

 

 

Saturday 23 – Bank Holiday Monday 25 August | Grand Finale

Then comes the Grand Finale weekend, with three days of fun concluding on Bank Holiday Monday!

The magnificent Sherwood Outlaws will be back with dazzling cut and thrust performance that once again pits Robin and his gang against the Sheriff of Nottingham and his forces.

The Sherwood Outlaws

The brilliant Sherwood Outlaws perform their fabulous take on the legends of Robin Hood in the arena, in a two-part show on each day which will combine combat, drama and no little comedy!

Medieval Maniax

If your sides haven’t already split, there’s still more Maniax mirth-making to enjoy down at the Major Oak.

Go Active Falconry

From enchanting owls to wonderful hawks, another opportunity to watch these brilliant birds in action before our summer shows draw to a close.

Nathaniel Bagshot

Sleight of hand, sharp of wit, Nathaniel will confound and dazzle audiences with magician’s deceptive art.

Simple Tom

Don’t be surprised to find yourself asked to pose with this mischief-maker. You can’t resist…

Robert of Wentbridge

A roving teller of brilliant stories about the daring and cunning of Sherwood’s outlaw hero.

Jim Munro

Dramatic tales told in Little John’s Glen of the Merry band’s eternal feud with the Sheriff and other foes.

Sloe Gin

Bringing the sounds of the era of the Middle Ages to life.

De Mowbrays Musicke

Playing the instruments that would have graced the courts of Medieval England.

The Bubonic Players

Silly songs and ridiculous goings-on from this very entertaining duo!

Knight School

A chance to pick up a sword and learn the techniques that the Medieval children may have practiced to prepare for the battlefield.

The Robin Hood Puppet Show

Another change to see this lovely old-fashioned puppet show, retelling the tales of Robin Hood in a very distinctive way.

Apart from the shows…

…we will have archery and axe-throwing, at the Major Oak and traders galore, selling unique and unusual products, as well as delicious food and drink options.

How much does it cost?

It is free to walk on to the reserve and to watch the events.

There is special event parking charge for use of our car parks, however. This will be £15 per vehicle per day.

That means if you bring a family or friendship group of five, it costs just £3 each per day.

For RSPB members, there is a discounted special event parking fee of £12 per vehicle per day.