The organisers of the annual Robin Hood Festival at Sherwood Forest are working with regular festival performers and traders to deliver a series of smaller events as part of their Wild in the Greenwood programme across the summer holidays.

Following discussions with Nottinghamshire County Council, the RSPB, which manages the forest, announced that the 2021 Robin Hood Festival would not be happening in its usual format, but instead a series of smaller events will take place for fans of both the forest and Robin Hood to enjoy.

Gemma Howarth, senior site manager at Sherwood, said: “When this pandemic started none of us could have imagined the impact it would have.

“The Robin Hood Festival is one of the highlights of our calendar and we would love to deliver it fully in 2021.

“However, given the uncertainties around social restriction this summer, like many festivals we are thinking creatively about alternative ways to celebrate with the Robin Hood Festival community this year.

“Although social restrictions are lifting there are still many risks and the welfare of our staff, volunteers, performers, traders and visitors remains the priority.

“We are exploring options for our summer programme, Wild in the Greenwood, which will feature many of the festival’s favourite performers and traders in a series of smaller, more intimate activities, spread across the summer holidays to reduce crowds.
“We want to make sure everyone involved can celebrate safely while also protecting the long-term future of the festival.

“We really appreciate the continued support of everyone who loves the festival and hope to be back in full in 2022. Keep an eye on our website and social media feeds to find out more about what will be happening over the coming weeks.”

Coun John Cottee, chairman of the communities committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I am really pleased that we can continue to help people to enjoy the forest, even if we are doing things somewhat differently this year.

“It has been an extremely challenging time for people, not only across Nottinghamshire but everywhere, and by working together with the RSPB we’re confident of providing local residents and staycationers with different ways to get out and explore the legend of Robin Hood.

“All the activities that are being planned will be done so with our colleagues in Public Health to ensure the safety of everyone involved is paramount.

“As soon as we have full details, we’ll be sharing the detail alongside the RSPB.”