First Nottinghamshire Day festival hailed a huge hit as over a thousand visitors flock to event

The very first Nottinghamshire Day festival has been hailed a success.

The event which was held last Saturday (27 August), at a sun-soaked Sherwood Forest Country Park, attracted more than a thousand people estimates suggest.

The free-to-attend festival led by Nottinghamshire County Council working with partners such as RSPB, Notts Outdoors and Inspire Youth Arts was a celebration of all things Notts.

This included the county's great music, fascinating history, world-famous legends, top sports teams, and a reputation for being pioneers in technology and science.

Hosted and headlined by local soul and R&B star Rob Green, the crowds were entertained by a variety of local acts from Southwell's Betsey B and Remy CB to Ashley Westlake and Jess Fisher, both from the Mansfield and Ashfield area.

Other highlights included the exhilarating two-part combat show 'Lionheart' where Robin Hood, Lady Marian and their band of outlaws battled against the Sheriff and Prince John.

The show, which was a real crowd pleaser, was put on by the Sherwood Outlaws in partnership with the team from Notts Outdoors, the council's outdoor and environmental education service.

Crowds queued to get a selfie with Nottingham Forest's Robin Hood mascot and the European Cup, which they famously lifted twice in 1979 and 1980. 

Festivalgoers also flocked to try out one of the world's first interactive holographic movies, using multi-media headsets. It forms part of the 5G Connected Forest project led by the county council.

Displays from the National Civil War Centre showcased the many aspects of the county's history as well as replica ice age artefacts from Creswell Crags.

Council Leader Ben Bradley, MP said: "We're so proud to have worked with partners to put on the first-ever Nottinghamshire Day Festival and showcase some of the best things about our county."

Callum Smith, aged 6, from Arnold, gave the festival a big thumbs up.

He said: "I had my photo taken with the European Cup and I really liked using the virtual reality headsets as well as axe throwing.

"The combat show with Robin Hood and the outlaws was really exciting and I cheered when they beat the baddies." 

Martin Brown, who travelled from West Bridgford to attend, said: "It was a lovely event with plenty to see and do, especially if you wanted to learn more about the history and heritage of the county. Even better, it was dog-friendly and so we brought the dog along." 

Clare and Gaz Burdell from Woodborough, visited for the evening, but said they would love to come again to experience all of the daytime activities too. 

Clare said: "We had a fabulous time. The music was great and the atmosphere was happy and relaxed. It was fantastic to hear from talented local musicians. 

"We took our two dogs with us and found the event to be very dog friendly. 

"The grounds of Sherwood Forest were beautiful, and the weather was perfect. 

"Well done to all the organisers and performers for putting on this feel-good, family friendly event."