The popular annual Sherwood through the Ages event returns to Sherwood Forest this weekend.

As Sherwood celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of it receiving SSSI status (Site of Special Scientific Interest), the country park will explore its exciting history as part of the family event on Saturday (Oct 4) and Sunday (Oct 5). The event is organised by Nottinghamshire County Council in partnership with EventPlan.

There will be a range of periods in history from Sherwood Forest which are brought to life as part as a series of displays and performances this weekend, both days from 11am to 4pm.

Councillor John Knight, Committee Chairman for Culture at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “2014 is a year of celebration for Sherwood as we mark its 60th anniversary of being awarded SSSI status. Sherwood through the Ages offers the great opportunity for us to promote many of the fascinating historical periods which Sherwood has witnessed right up to the present day.”

Displays and performances include:

A Civil War Parliamentarian parade in camp, including a march around the Major Oak Path, Copper Age man, Romans and Britons, Saxon warriors, combat and medieval dancing.

There will also be 5th and 6th Century Germanic Settlers, visiting 1940s civilians and soldiers, the British Army of the 1980s on exercise, and dastardly 18th Century Highwaymen – beware!

And as the nation holds commemorations remembering 100 years since the start of World War One, there will be a display from British soldiers of the Great War (Manchester Regiment), 1914-18.

The work of today’s conservationists and county council rangers will also be promoted along with a range of historical traders selling a wide range of items from different periods of history and there is have a go archery for children too.

There are a range of events and activities taking place at all of Nottinghamshire County Council’s country parks – Sherwood Forest, Bestwood and Rufford Abbey country parks. Some of the events are listed below, or you can visit the Nottinghamshire County council website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson where you can also sign up to the Email Me service to receive emails about forthcoming events.