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Ooh arr, me hearties! On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May, Pirates Weekend will return to the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and West Hoe for two days jam-packed full of family fun.
The action takes place each day from 10am to 4pm. We’ve pulled together all the information and entertainment schedules into one day so you can plan your weekend.
And don’t forget to wear your best sea-faring outfit! Each day there will be a children’s competition for the ‘Best Dressed Pirate’, so remember your eyepatches.
What to see & do:
Tall Ships: there will be two tall ships docked in Sutton Harbour – The Phoenix and The Grayhound – and both are free to climb aboard and explore. You might even recognise The Phoenix from her starring roles in TV shows such as Poldark!
Pirate Trail: Pick up a treasure map and code breaker for just £2 from the Tourist Information Centre and follow the trail, sponsored by Sutton Harbour. Crack the code to discover the hidden treasure boards and receive a prize when you return your map. Watch out for other pirates trying to sneak a peek at your answers - any cheats will be forced to walk the plank!
Arts & crafts: Create your own pirate accessories and enjoy some interactive swash buckling activities in the Tourist Information Centre on Saturday 12 May from 10am to 12pm. £3 per child and advance booking is recommended as there are limited spaces – book here.
Street entertainment: Plymouth’s very own Captain Jack Sparrow, Jonty Depp will be roaming the streets – watch out if he bumps into his arch-enemy, Captain Barbossa!
Keep one eye on the sky to see Betty Blades and Pirate Pendogget – two pirate stiltwalkers! They’ll amaze you with their dangerous knife juggling skills and might ask you to join in their games!
Sea shanty bands will be filling the streets with song too. On Saturday, the Tavy Tars will be entertaining visitors with songs of the sea and familiar songs with a nautical twist. On Sunday, catch the Pirates of St Piran who will bring their unique blend of shanty-singing and sword-fighting drama.
West Hoe Park: The Treasure Island Fun Park will be open as usual, with lots to enjoy – from crazy golf to trampolining!
Melody the Mermaid: Melody will bring her mermaid magic to the weekend. Come along and be enchanted by her stories or take part in her famous mermaid school.
Marine Biological Association: On Saturday 12 May between 10.30am to 2.30pm, head to the MBA who will be opening up their building to all small pirates and their families! Enjoy guided tours of their historic building (keeping an eye out for ghosts), take part in messy science experiments and enjoy craft activities.
Soft play: You won’t miss the giant purple octopus on West Pier, providing lots of fun for little pirates (small charge applies).
Get out on the water: Plymouth and Devon Schools Sailing Association will be running hourly raft building and sailing sessions from the Commercial Wharf slipway, all free of charge!
Pirate Powerboat Trips: The Mount Batten Centre are running 30 minute powerboat experiences during the weekend, which will take in Plymouth Hoe, Drake’s Island and the breakwater. Pre-booking is essential, tickets cost £6.50 per person or £25 for a family of four - book here.
National Marine Aquarium: On the other side of Sutton Harbour, the aquarium is open as usual with a special pirate trail running during the weekend! They’re also organising two beach cleans over the weekend at Teat’s Hill and Bantham. Find out more here.
Schedules:
Want to know what’s on and when? Here are the full entertainment schedules for the weekend:
Quay Square (each day):
10am to 4pm Tall ships available to board
10.30am Story telling & songs
11am Punch & Judy show
12 noon Canon firing
12.30pm Story telling & songs
1pm Punch & Judy show
2pm Musket firing
2.30pm Story telling & songs
3pm Punch & Judy show
3.30pm Fancy dress competition
3.45pm Canon firing
Tourist Information Centre/West Pier (each day):
10am to 4pm Pirate Trail start / finish
10.30am Pirate Stilt walkers
12.15pm Pirate show
1.30pm Pirate show
2.45pm Pirate balloon making
Melody the Mermaid:
Saturday
10am to 12 noon Meet and greet with Melody
1.30pm to 3.30 pm Mermaid School crafts (in the Tourist Information Centre)
Sunday
10am to 12 noon Meet and greet with Melody
1.30pm to 3.30pm Mermaid School songs and storytelling (in the Tourist Information Centre)
Other useful information:
For safety reasons, Southside Street will be closed to cars from 10am to 4pm each day.
The Sutton Harbour ferry will be running during the weekend and all children dressed as pirates will be able to ride the ferry for free!
Find more information about travelling into and around Plymouth here.
For all the latest news and updates, follow the Pirates Weekend Facebook page and Twitter. Remember to tag us in your photos! #PlymouthPirates
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