The Robin Hood Festival 2018 will help to signal a new era at the world-famous Sherwood Forest country park.

This year’s festival, between August 27 and September 2, will be the first led by the RSPB.

Thousands of festival-goers will be able to see the new RSPB visitor centre, which opens in mid-August.

Councillor John Cottee, chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Robin Hood Festival favourites like Medieval Maniax, musicians, storytellers and medieval magician Nathaniel Bagshot will be back this year along with new entertainment for 2018!

“It is also a wonderful chance for people visiting Sherwood to see the new centre which has been designed to provide a warm and welcoming gateway to Sherwood’s legendary landscape and help to inspire the 350,000 annual visitors to enjoy and celebrate the forest’s rich and diverse woodland, wildlife and heritage.

“It is part of an investment of more than £5 million to provide an excellent visitor experience and conserve the forest for generations to come. We are very excited to have reached this important milestone with the RSPB-led consortium in the history of the forest.”

Gemma Howarth, RSPB senior site manager for Sherwood Forest said: “We know how popular this event is, and how much people love coming to Sherwood to celebrate the legend of Robin Hood. We’re really excited about leading this year’s festival, and providing a new home for it in our brand new centre – we think it will prove the perfect setting for this fantastic festival.”

Here is a brief schedule of events for Robin Hood Festival 2018:

Monday 27 August
Festival opening event is at 11amby the amphitheatre at the new visitor centre – but will the Sheriff spoil the fun..?! Throughout the day skirmishing at the Major Oak will feature festival favourites Legends, Have a Go archery (small charge applies) and Storytellers, Alan a Dale and Rosie Bottom.

Tuesday 28 August
A full programme of activities from 11am to 4pm with performances around the visitor centre and Major Oak path. See Robin and the Sheriff battle it out under the shadow of the Major Oak.

Wednesday 29 August
Why not find the trail ‘Robin Hood is moving house’? Meet wandering characters Simple Tom, Robert of Wentbridge, Blast from the Past and Crazy Dutch Regulars. Don’t miss a battle between legends!

Thursday 30 August
Festival folk and performances will happen throughout the day, along with battling between the Legends. The pre-bookable evening event is Twilight Tales.

Friday 31 August
Hunt the outlaw and nature connections are main features today along with all the usual stories, music and fun!

Saturday 1 September
No Strings Puppet Theatre will keep the whole family entertained, as well as storyteller Alan a Dale. Don’t miss a scuffle between Legends – who will be victorious?

Sunday 2 September
Festival finale!