With the new film expected to be released on 14th May, Nottingham City Council has declared May Robin Hood Month.

A series of family events are being planned to celebrate Nottingham's favourite legend. Every weekend during the month, families will be able to enjoy mediaeval entertainment, organised shows and take part in bringing famous Robin Hood stories to life.

There really will be something for children of all ages, and adults too, taking place at venues across the city, including Nottingham Castle and the Old Market Square.

The events programme for the city and county includes:

Nottingham Castle events:

1 & 2 May
'Medieval Entertainment' presents the 'Robin Hood Jousting Show' – a spectacle featuring Robin Hood and his Merry Men and the Sheriff of Nottingham. In combat on and off horseback, these jousters provided stunts and drama for the new Robin Hood film, so come and see their world famous, death defying skills!

Shows will be at 1pm and 3pm daily, viewable on paying the Sheriff's Tax from the Castle Green 'Jousting stand'. Numbers strictly limited per show.

8 May
A Medieval Family Fun Day with have a go archery, tug of war, falconry shows, trebuchet demos and have a go jousting. 'Become a Knight for the Day' will appeal to medieval enthusiasts of all ages.

15-16 May
'The Dogs of War', the Castle's resident medieval re-enactment group will be on site to talk about their deadly weapons and life in the time of Robin Hood. Come and try a helmet for size – and see if you measure up as one of the King's men.

The following day, a children's theatre company will take children back to a medieval kingdom in a truly interactive theatre experience at Nottingham Castle.

22 May
Come and make some 'Funky Armour' with the Castle's Armourers Kath and Pete. An ideal Saturday afternoon pastime for children 11 and under. Drop in between 11 and 1 or 2 and 4.

23 May
A Medieval Family Fun Day with have a go archery, tug of war, falconry shows, trebuchet demos and have a go jousting. 'Become a Knight for the Day' will appeal to medieval enthusiasts of all ages.

27 May
The Castle's medieval collections and treasures are so sizeable that they can't possibly be all on display, but now's your chance to explore the stores at Brewhouse Yard, with Collections Manager Ann Inscker. Learn more about the period and why it's important that museums exist to care for such pieces.

29–31 May
Regia Anglorum stage a Medieval Re-enactment weekend depicting the late 12^th Century - the life and times of Robin Hood and will transform the Castle grounds into a medieval encampment. An educational but enjoyable opportunity for all:
· Living History
· Authentic crafts
· Weaponry drills
· Combat demonstrations
· Music
· Parade of re-enactors into the Old Market Square

Old Market Square events:

1 May
Childrens art activity to recreate Sherwood Forest including the forest creatures, the major oak and the infamous outlaws. Plus music by A Merrie Noyse. Taking place on Long Row.
8 May
Have a go at tile, flag and felt making as well as embroidery and calligraphy. Draw your own Robin Hood poster to add to the Sheriffs Wanted Board.

13 to 16 May
Mediaeval Market selling arts, crafts and food as well as period craft demonstrations.

Other events and activities to take place across the City are still being planned.

Sherwood Forest and Rufford Park events include:

1 & 2 May
Learn about medieval life with the Birkland Outlaws and medieval combat displays with the Oakwood Outlaws at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.

3 May
A traditional May Day parade led by Robin Hood from the Edwinstowe to the Major Oak on the May Day bank holiday, the County Council is also championing the revival of May Day traditions and customs, encouraging all to get involved.

5 May
Enjoy the magical atmosphere of Sherwood Forest with a free story walk learning 'Tales of the Forest', these are aimed at adults and will take place every Wednesday throughout May. 7.30pm start at Sherwood Forest visitors centre.

8-9 May
Have a go archery for all and familiar characters from the Robin Hood legend out and about in Sherwood Forest. Free family story walks through the forest begin and take place every Sunday for the month. 1pm start at Sherwood Forest visitors centre.

15-16 May
A living history weekend at Rufford Country park on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May, with a large medieval encampment demonstrating medieval crafts, cooking, warfare and music. On the same weekend there will be smaller medieval encampment by the Major Oak.

22-23 May
Costumed characters at Sherwood Forest Visitors Centre plus 'have a go archery'. Plus day time walks through Sherwood Forest and medieval storytelling for children and families.

29 May
A 'Robin Hood Family Day' with events and activities across the county's libraries.

31 May
For the ultimate Robin Hood experience the bank holiday will see a 'Silver Arrow' archery competition by the Major Oak in the heart of Sherwood Forest at 3pm.

There will also be activities across the county with libraries hosting a series of free talks, using archives to bring to life the county during the time of Robin Hood.

In addition, Castle Rock Brewery will be launching a special Robin Hood Beer, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem will be launching a Robin Hood themed menu.

Broadway Cinema will launch a Robin Hood film season during May and Councils are also appealing to other local businesses who may want to get involved in Robin Hood Month to contact them with their ideas.

The City and County Council have been working closely with Experience Nottinghamshire who are capitalising on the launch of the film to drive tourism to the region, providing a massive boost to the local economy. They, along with Visit Britain, have helped broker a relationship with Universal Pictures.


Click here to visit the official Robin Hood movie website.