The first Nottinghamshire Day Festival will be taking place this weekend - and where else could it be staged than Sherwood Forest? The free-to-attend event on Saturday, August 27, is a celebration of the county's traditions and culture.
There will be fun for all the family, something for history buffs and live acts for music lovers while football fans will be able to have a selfie with the European Cup, which newly-promoted Nottingham Forest famously lifted twice in 1979 and 1980. The county's famous outlaw Robin Hood, Maid Marian and the band of Merry Men will be performing a two-part combat show called Lionheart.
Family-friendly activities include axe throwing, catapulting and crossbow shooting. Soul and R&B star Rob Green will be headlining a showcase of homegrown talent, which includes classical, indie, electronic and acoustic performances. Also starring is ALT BLK ERA, sisters Nyrobi and Chaya, fresh from their appearance at Splendour.
Read more: Nottingham's top chefs recommend their favourite places to eat - and some are a surprise
Robin Hood will also come to life at the event – as part of the world-first 5G Connected Forest research which is led by the county council, working with academic researchers and local businesses to boost tourism and the environment. Visitors will get a chance to try out one of the world’s first interactive holographic movies, starring the legend himself, using multi-media headsets. The project also includes the UK’s first forest-protecting robot dog, Gizmo, who will also be on display.
If you would like to roll back the years to the Ice age, the team from Cresswell Crags will be showing off artefacts from millions of years ago and there's a chance to have a go at archaeological digging and being creative with some ice age art activities. The National Civil War Centre is on tour, bringing items from its collections, including mystery objects from Nottinghamshire's social history, and civil war objects that highlight the county's turbulent past.
Events will be taking place from 11am to 8pm. Although admission is free, car parking is £10 per vehicle. The festival coincides with the return of the Robin Hood Festival.
Nottinghamshire Day itself will be taking place on Thursday, August 25 - the date that marks the anniversary of the start of the English Civil War, an event triggered by Charles I raising the royal standard at Nottingham Castle in 1642. Schools, businesses and residents are being urged to join in. A civic event is being staged at Newark Castle.
What are the things you love about Nottinghamshire? Tell us in the comments below.
READ NEXT:
