Yo-Ho-Hordes! as thousands flock to Brixham Pirate Festival

Images: MiraclePR/miraclepr.com

The Brixham Pirate Festival returned at the weekend — a three-day extravaganza that draws an estimated 30,000 people to Brixham harbour.

The festival began in 2002, when residents decided to liven up a quiet bank holiday.

Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s largest pirate gatherings.

People travel from across the country to attend, with costumes becoming more elaborate each year as dedicated visitors add to their outfits.

The bank holiday weekend opened with its traditional pirate parade at 10:30am on Saturday, as pirates marched along the harbourside to the beat of drums. Standout costumes included an impressively lifelike Captain Hook from Disney’s Peter Pan, groups of Captain Jack Sparrows and two small pirate-clad dogs.

Live music ran throughout the weekend, with the main stage drawing dancing crowds for performances by bands including The Quartermasters, Captain’s Beard and the Sweet Chunks Band.

A key attraction is the Golden Hind, a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon, permanently docked in Brixham harbour. This all-weather floating museum has entertained visitors for over 50 years with hands-on exhibits and insights into life on a 16th-century ship. Festival-goers explored its decks and enjoyed a special performance by Skirmish.

Sunny weather allowed the festivities to extend beyond the harbour to Breakwater beach and the Breakwater coffee shop and bistro, which became a mix of beachgoers and festival attendees.

Several food stalls stayed open later than planned to cater for the crowds enjoying the sunshine.

One Facebook user wrote: “We were really impressed with how the pirate festival was managed. There were plenty of security staff, and we felt safe despite the crowds.

“We were also impressed with Stagecoach’s bus service. Thank you to all involved in putting this event on.”

Another said: “Having never been before, I was unsure of what to expect; however, I was completely blown away by how much there was to do and see! I was especially impressed by the live music and pirate parade, as we saw some great acts, music and costumes. Whilst the festival was busy, I never felt like I was queuing for that long, and all the hospitality staff were in great spirits, which was great to see. I would highly recommend this festival and will definitely be back next year!”

A third added: “It was a fun-filled day with a great atmosphere, and the effort people put into their costumes was amazing.”

Pirate festivals like Brixham's offer the perfect chance for people to dive into the world of pirates and live out their swashbuckling dreams. 

Whether piracy devotees choose to wear a steampunk pirate outfit, a medieval pirate ensemble, or go full classic pirate chic, the key is in the details. From pirate shirts and eye patches to leather belts and pirate hats, these accessories are essential to pulling off the perfect pirate look. 

So, if Brixham has ignited your enthusiasm for all things pirate,  grab your gear, set sail for one of these exciting pirate festivals and embrace your inner buccaneer with style and swagger!

Plymouth's Pirates Weekend is  scheduled for May 17 and 18. This event will transform the Barbican and Plymouth's waterfront into a pirate-themed hub, featuring music, entertainment, and interactive activities. Additionally, the Swanage Pirate Festival will take place on May 24 and 25. This free festival is held in Swanage and includes stalls, living history, re-enactments, a pirate parade, a pub crawl, and a children's area.

 And on August 29, why not try the the Whitby Pirate Festival,  an annual jamboree held in the North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby. 

Filled with swashbuckling buccaneers and chattering parrots this fun-filled, family-friendly festival isn’t to be missed! From pirates invading the town, to stalls, displays, live music, and hot food – the whole festival is an action-packed couple of days.

A little further afield, you could set sail to the Emerald Isle in October and enjoy the Festival of Pirates in Galway, Ireland.

This event offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates both the history and myth of pirates along the stunning Irish coastline. Expect pirate reenactments, live shows, and a mix of history and fun.

You can honour the Irish pirate legacy by incorporating tartan patterns into your outfit. A plaid skirt or tartan trousers paired with a weathered leather pirate jacket creates a rugged, yet stylish look. Add a green scarf to incorporate Irish heritage and top off your ensemble with a pirate sword and compass for that extra pirate flair.

So, whether you’re passionate about pirate culture, historical reenactments or just enjoy dressing up for fun,  festivals like Brixham's offer the perfect opportunity to channel your inner pirate.