Thousands of buccaneers, mutineers, cabin boys and parrots swashbuckled through Hastings on Sunday July 14, to celebrate the town’s 10th annual Pirate Day.
The weather held up and big crowds enjoyed packed day of activities. These included a parade, a drum off (in which Ryebellion, our local group took part), and an attempt on the world record for the most pirates gathered together in the form of a ship. Unfortunately this was not successful and the record holder is still the UAE. However Hastings still holds the record for the highest number of pirates gathered together in one location, set in 2012 with 14,231 participants.
There was live music in many of the pubs including The Captain’s Beard who also performed outside on the Stade earlier in the day, attracting hordes of old and new fans who danced along to shanties and new songs. The London Trader was giving away free rum punch, courtesy of Captain Morgan.
There was a focus on the environment, with information stalls including Clean Seas Please and Plastic Free Hastings. Extinction Rebellion Hastings joined in, carrying their new pink boat along the seafront and handing out “Black Spots” which explained the reasons for the climate emergency.
Image Credits: Seana Lanigan .