Nottingham Council welcomes RAF Mildenhall members to Robin Hood Festival Aug. 10-14

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  For a quarter century the Nottinghamshire County Council has been robbing from the rich and giving to the poor.

Well, that statement is not exactly true.

But, in the spirit of perhaps their most famed legend, Robin Hood, Nottinghamshire holds an annual event for children, families and those interested in local culture.

The 27th Annual Robin Hood Festival will commence at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in Edwinstowe Aug. 10 - 14.

The county chose August dates because schools are out for the British summer and many parents are looking for things to do with the children, said Linda Hardy, Nottinghamshire County Parks Service development officer.

Even Richard the Lionheart wouldn't doubt she's telling the truth about event dates, however, whether Robin Hood, Maid Marian and Friar Tuck were fact or fiction is for visitors to decide.

"There's a great debate over whether Robin was a real historical figure or a myth, or perhaps the dim folk memory of a pagan woodland god," said Hardy. "Personally I think the great thing is that we will never be sure - that makes him all the more elusive, mysterious and magical. We all have an image of Robin in our imagination, and it's different for everyone."

Typically between 40,000 to 70,000 visitors catapult into Edwinstowe for each festival.

According to Hardy, visiting U.S. forces and their families are not the only bands of non-Queen's English speaking merry men making their way out to the festival.

"I'd say that we get people from all over the globe, because Robin has fans in Spain, Italy, Holland, the USA, Canada, Japan and Australia," said Hardy. "Last year there was even an article about the festival in the national newspaper for Brazil."

Folklore would have one believe that Robin Hood brought revenue to the common men and women of Sherwood Forest during the medieval times. Hundreds of years later, the same could be said.

According to Marilyn Louden, Nottinghamshire County Council, the festival generated more than £130,000 (British Pounds) in catering, retail sales and car parking alone during last year's festival. Twelve percent of visitors came from overseas locations for the festival.

For those with fears of legendary characters or bows and arrows, the county council invites visitors to tour the caves under Nottingham Castle or the many other places around Nottinghamshire County.

However, before making the journey, Hardy advises visitors to consider contacting the tourist information center for up-to-date information, by e-mailing tourist.information@nottinghamcity.gov.uk, or the local office in Sherwood Forest sherwoodheath@nsdc.info.

They can offer advice about travel routes and where to stay, said Hardy. There are lots of beds and breakfasts, farm cottages and campsites locally, and also a good youth hostel in nearby Edwinstowe.

"I would like to send a warm and friendly welcome to any Americans living in Norfolk, Suffolk or Cambridge to come on over and have a great day out at the Robin Hood Festival," said Hardy. "We'll be delighted to see you!"