England's Calendar of Events | August
Robin Hood Festival
July 28-August 3
Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre
In honour of its most famous outlaw, Nottingham holds an annual Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest. It kicks off in customary style with the Sheriff of Nottingham and his cronies attempting to put a stop to the event. Throughout the week visitors are entertained by jugglers and jesters, strolling minstrels and street theatre performers, a falconer and experts in medieval combat. No Robin Hood Festival would be complete without archery and, down by the Major Oak (whose massive branches are now supported by crutches), costumed longbow archers are on hand in full costume to demonstrate their skills and give visitors a chance to test their prowess.
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Moor Music Festival
August 7-9, 2008
High House Farm
The Moor Music Festival brings live music and festival fun to High House Farm in Addingham Moorside in the Yorkshire Dales. Three main stages host live music from all genres with performances by bands and DJs including Utah Saints, The Long Blondes, Forward Russia, Tim Sheridan, Audiojack, Paul Woolford and Eddie Temple Morris. Late-night sounds are provided by the Headset Disco. As well as the multi-media cinema lounge there is a VW show and shine competition and a kids' activity tent with workshops building up to a lantern parade on the Saturday. Camping is included.
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Rath Yatra Chariot Festival
August 10, 2008
Victoria Square
Birmingham now hosts its own impressive version of the traditional Hindu Rath Yatra festival. Chariots devoted to Lord Krishna's most merciful incarnation make their way to Victoria Square for a huge vegetarian feast and entertainment. This festival has its origins in Jagannath Puri on the Bay of Bengal, and for millennia the chariots of Lord Jagannath have rolled through that town. Throughout the year Lord Jagannath is worshipped in a temple which, at 200 feet high, dominates the city. Once a year the idol leaves his temple for the streets to enjoy a ride on the Rathyatra chariots and around a million people participate in the procession. Birmingham's version is scaled down, but still pretty impressive, as well as being very important for the city's huge Asian population.
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