Families are being invited to join in the UK’s first ever Pirate Fun Run as part of the city’s hugely popular Plymouth Pirates Weekend in May.
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Swashbuckling fun is guaranteed across the city’s waterfront on May 18th and 19th, as Plymouth Pirates Weekend, one of the biggest events on the city’s calendar, returns for the 13th year running.
But this year, it has something new to offer with a 3km fancy dress fun run. Everyone aged four and above can walk, jog or run it to raise money for children’s bereavement charity, Jeremiah’s Journey. It will be the first time a pirate fun run has taken place in our Britain’s Ocean City and people of all ages are invited to don a pirate costume and have a great day.
Plymouth Pirates Weekend is hosted by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, and they will be putting on the fun run in partnership with Taurus Events so the whole family can take in the spectacular waterfront views out over Plymouth Sound as they run 3km dressed as a pirate.
Biggest and Best Event Yet
The main event is set to be the biggest and best yet with a huge range of free and paid-for, family-friendly activities stretching across the entire waterfront from the historic Barbican, across the Hoe to the Royal William Yard. So get it in your diaries and be sure to check it out!
Jon Walton, CEO of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, said: “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.”
Swashbuckling entertainment at Plymouth Pirates Weekend
As always, Plymouth Pirates Weekend will ensure the entire waterfront is transformed into a pirate’s paradise. The area will be brimming with entertainment, from talented performers and roaming pirates to lively music and captivating shows. Expect to find a treasure trove of activities for all ages at this year’s event, from street entertainment, face painting and storytelling to pirate-themed crafts and games.
There will even be something for our canine comrades and pawesome pals with Gables holding a pirate fun dog show on Saturday 18th in West Hoe Park.
Over fifteen different talented local 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 and waterfront businesses will also be welcoming bands to keep those toes tapping at various locations.
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!
Charity event will be UK’s first Pirate Fun Run
But if your kids fancy donning their trainers and pounding the pavements, sign them up to the Pirate Fun Run. It will take part at 10.30am on Sunday 19th May and participants are being encouraged to dress up in their most creative pirate gear – the more outlandish the better – to take part in this nautical event.
Here’s what awaits those taking part in the UK’s first Pirate Fun Run:
- A scenic 3km, route around the picturesque Plymouth Barbican and historic waterfront
- Chance to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace – walk, jog, or run but don’t forget your pirate fancy dress!
- Encouragement and cheers from fellow pirates and spectators
- Supporting a wonderful local charity, Jeremiah’s Journey
- Everyone that completes the route will receive a special Pirates Fun Run 2024 medal!
Sign up to the Pirate Fun run and find out more information here.
Plymouth Pirates Weekend at Royal William Yard
Even more swashbuckling fun is on offer for seasoned sailors and landlubbers of all ages at the Royal William Yard over Plymouth Pirates Weekend.
There will be much maritime merriment from 10am to 3pm each day, with a programme of events that includes loads of free entertainment. Alongside this, the Yard’s cafes, restaurants and leisure businesses are also offering a variety of pirate-themed activities. Buccaneering sea shanty bands will serenade the crowds with sea shanties, storytellers will regale audiences with adventurous tales, classic pirate films will be screened, children can learn to walk the plank and hunt for treasure – and much more besides.
Activities at the Yard include a pirate treasure trail, circus skills, storytelling, a craft zone, face painting, a visit from the RNLI, and live music.
And you can even get from the Barbican to the Royal William Yard by a free bus service this year, so there’s no excuse for the entire family to not enjoy ALL the activities on offer.
So dig out those eye patches, bandanas and hats from the dressing up box (we all know they’re there somewhere!) and get yourselves down to the waterfront on May 18th and 19th for what’s looking to be a brilliant weekend of pirate fun. Find out more here.
Shiver me timbers it’s going to be a good one!
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If you liked this post and want more Plymouth ideas, head to:
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- Plymouth’s High 5 Holiday Camps and Sports Clubs
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