Two of our very own Stilt-Walking Trees returned to the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, on the 8th and 9th of August 2026. It was our third consecutive year at the festival, its 40th anniversary and, in our opinion, the best one yet. Despite the heat we racked up three hours in the tree costumes across the two days, and it was well worth it!
We were booked to do walkabout by the incredible Helter Skelter Arts who provided additional entertainment, including circus workshops and their own woodland themed stilt walkers. The weather was beautiful throughout the weekend and we saw a steady stream of guests from morning through to afternoon each day.
The Robin Hood Festival
The Robin Hood Festival is an annual event held in Sherwood forest every August, organised by the RSPB and held in a beautiful area near the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and the iconic Major Oak.
This year it consists of multiple weekends of activities ranging from comedy and circus shows to medieval combat displays. General admission to the day time events is free with the grand finale weekend (29th – 31st August) still to come, so make sure to check out the festival website if you live in Nottinghamshire or are thinking of making the trip.
Old folklore, new stories
This is one of our favourite annual events, not just because of the lovely people who run it, but because of how well our characters fit into the wider celebrations. The festival has done an incredible job blending the well known and loved tales of Robin Hood, with modern fantasy characters from the universes of The Witcher and Lord of the Rings among others.
Having the same groups return year after year creates a beautiful dynamic in which storylines and banter can develop over years, to create a unique depth to interactions between artists. Our yearly tradition of exchanging good natured threats with the incredibly life-like Uruk Hai from The Galactic Knights was maintained, and we enjoyed watching the combat training from the Academy of the Wolf.
In addition to the performers, it is always a joy to see the public getting involved, and this year saw more costumes than ever, ranging from beautiful dresses like in this image from the Northwest Children’s Support Group (check out their incredible work here) to totally unique creations really bringing the atmosphere to life. Performing our tree costumes in this kind of surrounding helps us bring them to life in a way that isn’t always possible.
Being able to participate in the stories of other performers and the ever imaginative guests turns a simple walkabout act into an exciting adventure. A particular highlight for me was getting to meet a live owl (pictured below), but my personal favourite interaction this year was a young girl who asked if I had seen Robin Hood… so she could report him to the Sheriff. Luckily for Robin, I’m no snitch.
Back among the trees
Three years running now, and Sherwood always feels like a natural home for the act. You’re surrounded by the real trees of the forest while playing characters that look like they’ve walked out of it. Add the stories, costumes and performances happening around you, and there’s plenty for visitors to react to.
Thanks to the RSPB for organising the festival, and to Helter Skelter Arts Ltd for booking us. And to everyone who stopped to talk to the trees.
We hope to be back next year.