Nottingham’s iconic Robin Hood Pageant will become even more thrilling this autumn as Nottingham Castle returns to the Middle Ages from Friday 23 – Sunday 25 October.
The grounds of the Castle will be transformed into a medieval village encampment complete with a range of colourful characters, sight and sounds, allowing visitors to travel back in time to the 12th century and relive the life and times of the city’s most famous legend.
Two exciting Night Jousts will take place in 2015, following their reintroduction as part of 25th anniversary celebrations in 2014.
Night Time Jousts – Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Join us for an exciting and spectacular night time joust for the second year. Robin Hood and his Merry Men will take on the Sheriff of Nottingham and his evil henchmen with lance, sword and fire in an amazing and breath-taking clash on and off horseback.
Stroll around the illuminated medieval village and be entertained by minstrels and street performers. Follow our heroes up to the Castle Green during an atmospheric torchlit procession. Fire artists will perform for your enjoyment on the Castle Green before the evening draws to a close with the spectacular floodlit joust finale…. and one or two surprises!
Daytime Fun – Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 10.30am – 5pm
The grounds of Nottingham Castle will be transformed into a medieval village encampment complete with a range of colourful characters allowing you travel back in time to the 12th century.
The crowds can meet Robin Hood and his Merry Men, King Richard I in his royal camp, and enjoy living history demonstrations, experience wandering minstrels and historical entertainers.
Everyone can enjoy interacting with costume characters and try their hand at medieval crafts, watch falconry and practice wood carving, table weaving and fletching.
Adults can also enjoy drinks from the medieval ale house, selling a variety of heritage ales and meads, including Heather Ale, which has its origins in a recipe dating from 2000 BC. Plus, beer from local suppliers.
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “As ever, Nottingham City Council is proud to present this fantastic annual celebration of Nottingham’s most famous outlaw, Robin Hood. The Robin Hood Pageant continues to go from strength to strength, offering an exciting and evolving programme of historical fun for families and visitors to enjoy.”
Vicky Hall, Sponsorship & Events Manager at The Nottingham, said: “This is the third year we have sponsored the Robin Hood Pageant and we remain firmly committed to supporting events at the heart of our local communities.
“We are delighted that our sponsorship has helped make the pageant such a special event over the years, and very proud that Robin Hood features so strongly in our branding as a Society.”
The Robin Hood Pageant is one of many events taking place 16-31 October to celebrate Nottingham’s hero outlaw Robin Hood.
- Meet the Legendary Trio (free): 16 – 18 October. Robin Hood joins forces with the Pied Piper of Hamelin and William Tell to entertain around the city
- Robin Hood activities in libraries (free): 19- 30 October
- International Robin Hood Day (free): 17 October. Tweet using #robinhoodday to help Robin’s arrows make it around the world
- Free medieval fun: 19 – 22 October. Visit the Old Market Square from 11.30am – 3pm daily to see combat displays, handle weaponry and experience medieval justice, meet hilarious and hapless characters, and meet Nottingham’s own Robin Hood as he performs daily
- Robin Hood – The China Connection event: 21 October at City Arts. Join the team involved in cloning Nottingham’s iconic Robin Hood statue to find out how and why it was done, at this free event as part of Robin Hood week
- The Sheriff’s Gauntlet (free): 31 October as part of GameCity 10 Festival