Shiver me timbers, Pirates Weekend comes to Royal William Yard for the first time!

15th May 2023

This weekend, Plymouth’s renowned Pirates Weekend is back in swashbuckling style, taking place at various locations along the waterfront – including at Royal William Yard. The historic destination will have the Jolly Roger flying from the flagpole, a treasure hunt with bounty to be won, sea shanties by the water’s edge, and much more besides.  

This is the first time the popular event has crossed the high seas to Royal William Yard, a destination known for its rich maritime history. Brave buccaneers can even hop on board Plymouth Boat Trips’ ‘Pirate Ferry’ service, setting sail from the Barbican to drop anchor in Royal William Yard Marina.    

Activities at the Yard will take place from 10am-3pm on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May, meaning those keen to enjoy all that Pirates Weekend offers can move between locations and have adventures aplenty.  

Organised by Royal William Yard – with support from the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Business Improvement District – the weekend promises to be fun for everyone, from families to lone sea dogs. There will be an array of entertainment for all ages and the Yard’s resident restaurants, bars and cafes will provide grub and grog galore.   

The weekend’s activities at Royal William Yard will include: 

• Treasure Hunt: grab a treasure map, hunt for clues, and claim your bounty!  
• Children’s pirate craft activities   
• Pirate stilt walkers  
• Face painting   
• Tasty treats on the lawn, with crepes and slushies  
• Sea Shanty performances from Cousin Jack and Seaweed In The Fruit Locker  
• Live music from Anything but Francis on Sunday 21 May  

Also taking place around Royal William Yard:  

• The Hook & Line will hold a fresh fish BBQ and rum tasting across the weekend.  
• Royal William Yard Marina will run the ‘Pirate Ferry’ and have a RNLI Inshore Rescue Boat on display in the marina.  
• Domea Favour, the Yard’s own independent chocolatier, will sell pirate lollipops.  
• Hub Box will dress as pirates, serve rum cocktails and offer a Kids Eat Free deal (T&Cs apply).  
• BLOCK will run a kids colouring competition to 'win a treasure chest of chocolate' – and with every kids’ drink, comes the gift of a chocolate coin.  
• The Club House will have a family entertainer – Billy Wiz – performing magic tricks and balloon modelling in the restaurant on /Sunday between 3-5pm, and a kids eat a roast for £1 with a paying adult deal will be available.  
• Ocean Studios has a host of creative activities taking place, including Mini Print children’s session on Saturday 20 May 10am–11.30am; Drawing from Life Workshop on Saturday 20 May, 10am-1pm; and a Printmaking Workshop on Saturday 20 May 10am–12:30pm.  
• Plus much more to be announced – check the Royal William Yard website and social media channels for details.  

 Ahoy there, if you would like any further information, please visit www.royalwilliamyard.com