Ahoy there! Plymouth prepares for swashbuckling fun at Plymouth Pirates Weekend

3rd April 2024

The ever-popular Plymouth Pirates Weekend, returns to Britain’s Ocean City on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May. This year's event hosted by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, for the 13th year running, promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a swashbuckling programme of a huge range of free, and paid for, family-friendly activities stretching across the entire waterfront, from the historic Barbican to the Royal William Yard.

New for this year, is the UK's first-ever pirate fun run being held as part of the weekend on Sunday 19 May. Bought to you in partnership with Taurus Events enjoy a 3km walk/jog/run around the Barbican and take in the spectacular waterfront views dressed as a pirate!

Jon Walton, CEO, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership:“Plymouth Pirates Weekend has got to be one of the city’s most fun events in the calendar! Tens of thousands of visitors to the waterfront all getting in the pirate spirit either by dressing up or simply by being part of the wonderful, friendly atmosphere across the weekend and enjoying our local businesses whether to shop, eat or drink. This year we’re delighted to be able to add, what we believe to be the UK’s first-ever Pirate Fun Run, raising much needed funds for local charity, Jeremiah’s Journey.”

As always, Plymouth Pirates Weekend will be brimming with entertainment, from talented performers and roaming pirates to lively music and captivating shows and for our pawesome pals Gables will be holding a pirate fun dog show on Saturday 18 May in West Hoe Park too.

Over 15 different sea shanty bands will be performing at a range of locations across the waterfront during each day; and for those that want to continue the fun into the evening, local venues will also be welcoming bands to keep those toes tapping.

Returning to Plymouth this year is the Galeón Andalucía – this impressive full-size replica of a 17th Century Spanish galleon is a floating museum, and will be open each day for visitors to explore (booking in advance or on the day available). She will be alongside on the Barbican Landing Stage.

Accompanying Galeón Andalucía is the Pascual Flores, an original example of a “pailebote” (Spanish for pilot’s boat) which was dedicated to the export of fruit, salt and general cargo, both in Mediterranean ports and anchorages and on the North and West coasts of Africa. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this original vessel. No walking the plank though.

The entire Plymouth waterfront, from the historic Barbican to the vibrant Royal William Yard, will be transformed into a pirate's paradise on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May. Expect to find a treasure trove of free and paid for activities for all ages, from face painting and storytelling to pirate-themed crafts and games.

Visit the official Pirates Weekend Plymouth page for further information or find out how you can sign up to the Pirates Fun Run in Plymouth.