Week four: The Tinneys visit the Robin Hood Festival at Sherwood Forest.

Day Four of our amazing prize from Experience Nottinghamshire was a trip up to Sherwood Forest to the Robin Hood Festival - the biggest celebration in the world of the legendary outlaw.And what better way to start our visit, than with a photo of Robin Hood himself! The Major Oak is linked throughout the world to Sherwood's legendary hero Robin Hood, and Robin and his merry Men are rumoured to have slept in its branches. Throughout the day there was music and performances in the Visitor Centre and around the Major Oak from festival folk. After our lunch in the Forest Table Restaurant, we walked down to the main arena to watch the Falconry Display. All the children were invited into the ring to take part and to get closer to the birds. As it was pouring with rain, some of the birds were reluctant to fly, but we did manage to see a hooded vulture and an owl in action. While we waited for the next show to begin, the girls practised their sword fighting skills, and then it was time for some JOUSTING! Despite the rain, the crowd cheered, jeered and made plenty of noise as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham faced his foe – Robin Hood. Maisy was not convinced that the fights were not actually REAL, and was a bit worried about one of the Merry Men as he lay on the ground. There were lots of tournament games too, including riders who had to slice a cabbage off the sword as they galloped past.Maids were on hand to help the knights and their mounts and Robin Hood appeared, ready to begin his duel with one of the Sheriff's men. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side and as the rain became torrential, we had to cut short our visit to the festival. However, as a special treat, we had been given some gift vouchers for the girls to spend in the gift shop, so all was not lost, and they loved choosing some souvenirs as a reminder of their day. Thanks again to the girls at Experience Nottinghamshire for organising our day out, and to Nottinghamshire County Council for our prizes. Unfortunately, you will have to wait until next year to experience the Robin Hood Festival for yourself, but there are plenty of other Robin related activities at Sherwood Forest throughout the year. October also sees Robin Hood being celebrated in the City, with the annual Robin Hood Pageant and Beer Festival. For more photos of the Tinney's adventures in Sherwood, see our Love Notts page.