CHILDREN can kick off the summer holidays with a host of fun activities every day this week as part of the Robin Hood Festival.

More than 70,000 people attended the Notts County Council event last year at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, outside Edwinstowe Village, with some people coming from Holland, Italy and Spain.

Marilyn Louden, spokeswoman for the rangers at Sherwood Forest, said: "This is the 26th annual Robin Hood Festival and we still get large numbers of people because there's something for all ages.

"Last year we had something like 75,000 visitors, so it's a really huge event for us at the Forest."

This year the Forest is set to echo to the sound of drumbeats.

Ms Louden said: "The drummers are going to sound pretty special in the forest."

She added: "It's not quite the case that we start planning the next one as soon as it's over but its almost that way."

Entrance to the festival is free throughout the week, with a £5 charge for car parking and a small fee for some activities and shows.

More than 15 activities will be held every day from Monday to Friday, from 11am to 4.30pm, ranging from jugglers and jesters to outdoor children's theatre performances

Some highlights include:

The Silver Arrow Challenge – free archery tournament for children over 8 on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday at 4pm.

The Trail of Robin Hood takes place at 2pm on Tuesday, where people can follow the clues to find Robin Hood. Trail leaflet costs £2.

Falconry displays at noon and 2pm on Wednesday and noon and 2.15pm on Sunday.

Jousting tournament at 2.45pm on Wednesday, 2.30pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.

The Sheriff's Treasure Hunt at 2pm on Thursday – people must find the treasure before the Sheriff and his men. Costs £2.

Twilight Tales, an evening walk with mysterious and magical medieval stories by the duo Past Imagined and Trevor James the Minstrel. The walk, at 8pm on Thursday, is under a mile long and not suitable for children under 7. No dogs are allowed. Tickets cost £4 and should be booked in advance by calling 01623 823 202.

Hunt The Outlaw at 2.30pm on Friday. People can buy a hunting permit from the Sheriff for £2 before searching for Robin Hood in the forest.

An Evening of Medieval Merriment with Robin and his merry band on Saturday from 7.30pm to 10pm. Tickets cost £6 per adult or £3 per child with family prices available and must be booked in advance. Call 01623 823 202.

For more details and to get an itinerary, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhoodfestival or call 08449 808080.