Hastings Pirate Day: Your ultimate guide to what is happening and when on Sunday

The Weekend Gallivant got underway on Friday evening with lots of pirate themed events of the Pier and other venues but Saturday and Sunday offer the most packed programme.

Pirate Day has been going since 2009 and sees thousands of people joining in by dressing up as pirates and buccaneers.

Hastings holds the world record for the most pirates in one place, after beating a previous record held by Penzance in Cornwall.

This year’s event will be slightly different due to the pandemic with no massed gatherings or parades. But the packed programme includes lots of events for people to enjoy with pirate fun to be had in the town’s pubs, venues and attractions, including lots going on at Hastings Pier which is backing the event.

This is what and when is taking place:

Sunday July 18:

On the Pier:

Pirate Themed Rides, Menu’s and Pirate Market.

Circus acts.

Face painting by the Glittery Rainbow and Fantasy Face Painting.

Jack Sparrow and The Redcoats Socially Distanced Meet and Greet.

In the Memories Room - 6.30pm – 7.30pm – Wayward Voyage – Brought to life by the author, Anna M Holmes in an intimate setting with live music (may not be suitabel for children).

In the Pier Beer Garden:

Limited Capacity, first come first served (priority to pirates) – Over 18’s only after 7pm and all children to be accompanied by an adult before 7pm.

Live Music from 12pm to 6.30pm interwoven with live action stunts, Drum Offs, Circus Acts, and Live DJ’s all for your delight! All Hosted by Shipmate Alan and including Completely Scuppered, Rattlebag, Press Gang, Admiral Finn and Blair.

Hastings Town Centre – 11am to 5pm.

Hastings Pirate Gallivant Treasure Hunt – Can you crack the parrots QR-arrr Code?

Free to enter Grand Prize draw – win an X-box X and a whole lot of other loot.

Pirate stalls.

Side shows and kiddy rides.

Wandering circus acts.

Jack Sparrow & The Redcoats Socially Distanced Meet and Greet at Hastings Pelham Beach – 12pm to 4pm.

In the Volleyball Court – Tots Treasure Hunt and Story Telling – presented by the Hastleons.

Rock-a-Nore 11am to 4pm:

Pirates and parrots – 12pm to 4pm – live parrot display.

Hastings Aquarium – 11.00am to 3.00pm.

The Curse of the Drowned Pirate – live actor tours.

The Shipwreck Museum – Pirate History Master Story Telling – interactive experience for children. Get to hold real pirate artefact’s and get to learn tons of pirate facts! Threesshows daily 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm – booking advised.

Radiator Arts – 12pm to 3pm – Children’s Workshop – free activity – let the little one’s make ghastly sea creatures or pirate accessories for their costume.

In the Taverns:

The Fountain on Queens: 4pm to 8pm – Sue Tilly’s Pirate Radio.

Goat Ledge, St Leonards: All day merriment with pirate cocktails and food specials, treasure hunts and more.

Duke of Wellington, High Street, Hastings old Town 1pm to 4pm – Pirate BBQ and prize for the best dressed pirate.

The Stag Inn, All Saints Street, Old Town: 4pm – Captain Clement (booking only).

The Crown, All Saints Street, Old Town: All day – pirate food and drink specials.

The Dolphin TBC

Dr Jekyll’s, George Street, Old Town: 7pm – Rufus Stone Band (booking advised)

The Hempist All day – Reggae, Rum’n’Burger

The Beach Cafe – All day – pirate cocktails/ special pirate kid drinks and pirate cave

Southside Wrappers, Cambridge Road: – special pirate weekend meal deals

Pirate Day organiser Captain Anton Windsor said: “There will be live music, side-shows, pirate acts, parrots, story-telling, quizzes and treasure hunts.

“What there won’t be this year are any mass gatherings, parades or record attempts.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the event in a safe and resourceful manner. If you are uncomfortable with people around, why not enjoy our town’s wonderful open spaces, parks, hills and beaches. Take a picnic and refreshments, dress in pirate garb.

“We are thrilled that Hastings Pier is on board as sponsors of this year’s Gallivant, with shenanigans happening all weekend - a must-stop for every pirate.”

The event has also teamed up with TownCityCard.com to introduce a Pirate Pass which will allow holders to save money on local visitor attractions, retail outlets, restaurants, pubs and more. Visit the website at www.hastingspirateday.org.

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