Robin Hood Festival 2026

About

August 2026
Sherwood Forest
Free Entry | Parking charge applies
Please note that some activities such as archery are chargeable

Friend or foe? It’s the big 4-0!

Sherwood Forest are celebrating the 40^th Robin Hood Festival in 2026, with another sensational summer of spectacular arena shows and performances and displays to delight visitors of all ages.

Since its beginnings in the early 1980s, the Festival has become established as the world’s premier celebration of the world’s favourite outlaw, Robin Hood, and the only one that can truly claim to be held in the home of the Legend – Sherwood Forest.

From Medieval jousting shows to combat displays, drama, comedy, storytelling and music of the age of Robin and his Merry Band, the Festival has become a must-see experience for thousands of visitors every year, many travelling from overseas to walk among the Ancient Oak trees of Sherwood at Festival time.

This year’s Festival dates are:

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 August

Headlined once again by the Knights of Nottingham Medieval Jousting Display Team with their spectacular interpretation of the legend of Robin Hood. But it’s not just the joust, the Robin Hood Festival has a jam-packed programme full of performances for the whole family!

Including:

• The hilarious comedy capers of the The Medieval Maniax
• Knives out with the Point Blank Danger Show
• Silly songs and stories from Bill Brookman
• Tales of ye olde Sherwoode from Robert of Wentbridge
• Stepping into Medieval England with the Ferrers Household

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 August

They are thrilled to host not only the fabulous Sherwood Outlaws, but also performers from Centre de l’Imaginaire Arthurien, in Brittany, who will present an arena show bringing together the legends of Robin Hood and King Arthur.

Swords will be swung, songs will be sung, and they can’t wait to share their jam-packed programme with you.

Here’s a little taste of what to expect:

• Witcher workshops and orc bootcamps
• Dungeons and Dragons taster sessions
• Craft sessions inspired by fae and fantasy
• Live music Character photo opportunities

Wizards, Witches and Wardrobes Costume Competition

After an amazing reception last year, the costume competition is back!

You can sign up for the costume competition at the Robin Hub on the Events Green from 10am each day. Entries are £3 per person with the chance to win a bundle of Festival goodies!

There are two age categories: 14 & Under, and 15+.

Saturday 29 – Bank Holiday Monday 31 August

The Outlaws are back in the Festival arena for the Grand Finale weekend with their inimitable mix of storytelling and combat displays.

Alongside them on the Festival bill are:

• Go Active Falconry
• Magician Nathaniel Bagshot
• Entertainer Bill Brookman
• Silliness from Simple Tom
• Charming marionette puppet shows
• Storytelling and live music

Celebrating Four Decades of Festival

And because it is a big birthday for the Festival, Sherwood Forest are calling on Festivalgoers to share pictures from previous events, all the way back to its roots.

They’ll be sharing those on their social media channels and web pages as we get closer to the event. If you have photos and memories you’d like to share, send them to sherwoodevents@rspb.org.uk

The Bunting of Sherwood

Sherwood Forest are also marking this special Festival year with a public arts project – the Bunting of Sherwood.

They’re inviting you to design and create your own artwork inspired by Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood, and the rich tapestry of local wildlife and folklore. Your designs will be displayed on bunting which will extend along the Major Oak trail during the festival.

Download the Bunting of Sherwood Information pack here to start creating your design.