Robin Hood fever coming to Nottingham in May

Robin Hood Month promises all sorts of shenanigans, the hard work of a number of local organisations and tourism bodies including Nottingham’s city and county councils, Visit Britain and Experience Notts. Running through May, it will kick off with a traditional May Day parade, led by Robin (not Russell) which will march from Edwinstone to the Major Oak, while at the end of the month, Nottingham Castle will undergo a medieval makeover transforming into an encampment where people can learn about life in the 12th Century.

The Castle will be a focal point to the celebrations with a variety of activities on offer, including armour-making sessions for children and displays of jousting by stunt folk from the film. The tie-ins with the movie continue as costumes, props and weaponry as seen in the big budget blockbuster will be exhibited at the Castle courtesy of Universal Pictures. A set designer from the Hollywood studio has even orchestrated the look of this official display and talks are ongoing with Universal discussing further ideas for collaborations.

This exhibition will continue until October with a supplementary smaller display of film items also on view at Sherwood Forest. The Forest’s visitor centre and Rufford Country Park are also getting in on the action with archery and combat displays, costume characters (again, we reckon Russ’s probably too busy to make this) and the intriguingly titled medieval tales with archery also on the bill at the Major Oak.

Further afield, the local Broadway cinema is planning a Robin Hood film season and for those with rumbly bellies, how’s about some food from the Robin Hood menu at Ye Olde Jerusalem pub or a pint of Robin Hood Beer courtesy of Castle Rock Brewery? The councils are still keen for other attractions to be added to the line-up, with the extravaganza hoping to bring a £46 million tourism boost to the area.

“Robin Hood is famous all around the world and it is great that the new film will add to the legend and introduce a new generation to our county’s most famous son,” enthuses Notts County Council’s cabinet member for culture and community, Councillor John Cottee. “Robin Hood Month will be a great opportunity for everyone in Notts to get involved and have fun. It will also attract visitors into the county which will bring real rewards to the local economy.”

To be part of the fun or to learn more about it, head to the Nottingham Castle website here.

[via This is Nottingham]