Visitors to the Barbican this weekend will be greeted with swashbuckling and swaggering buccaneers galore as Plymouth is taken over by a pirate invasion.
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May, Plymouth’s historic Barbican will become a hub of family-friendly pirate activity, including re-enactment displays, smugglers ‘splicing’ demonstrations and storytelling.
Young landlubbers are being encouraged to join in the fun by coming in their best pirate fancy dress, with a best dressed pirate competition for under 16’s on both days, judged at 3pm. Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium is also offering free entry to children in pirate outfits throughout the weekend.
Visitors may even catch a glimpse of the most famous modern day pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, as he causes mischief amidst the crowds around the cobbled streets.
The pirate weekend has been organised by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, to coincide with the visit of tall ship The Matthew, which will be berthed in Sutton Harbour and open to visitors from 10am – 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Sarah O’Leary, Waterfront Manager said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming families to the Plymouth pirate weekend this weekend – we’ve got an action-packed programme of events lined up to entertain visitors to The Barbican, with something for all the family to enjoy. Holding events like this brings more visitors to the Waterfront, boosting trade for local businesses and really animates the area. Hosting The Matthew here in Plymouth before she heads off to join the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames is a great honour.”
The Matthew will be berthed in Sutton Harbour over the weekend, with a small donation required for guests wishing to board the ship.
Charlotte Malcolm, Commercial Marketing Manager at Sutton Harbour added: “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming The Matthew into historic Sutton Harbour. The hosting of events such as these adds to the vibrancy of The Barbican and historic Harbour and is a fantastic way of attracting visitors to our stunning waterfront city.”
Activities on The Barbican will run from 10am – 5pm on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May. For a full programme of activities taking place on each day, check the information point at The Matthew.
Also be sure to view the full event programme and more on the Barbican Waterfront – Pirate Weekend – Event Section
