Pirates commandeer Devon fishing port

Up to 2,000 pirates will be heading to the historic fishing port of Brixham on Devon’s English Riviera for the renowned Brixham Pirate Festival that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Pirate Festival sees the whole of picturesque Brixham Harbour with its colourful cottages, spectacular marina, half-mile long breakwater and pretty beach gripped with Pirate Mania. It takes place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May and offers a weekend bursting with Pirate Fun for all the family.

Visitors can join in the swashbuckling atmosphere full of pirate characters with swords clashing, canons blasting and muskets firing and the largest collection of pirates seen ashore outside Tortuga! Families will enjoy live music, games, re-enactments and skirmishes on the full sized replica of the Golden Hind.

And pirate fans from all over the world will be joining in the Mile O’Pirates Record Attempt on the harbourside on Sunday 5th May. Brixham already holds the record at nine tenths of a mile but the Pirates are looking to see if they can complete a full mile (around 2,000 pirates). The attempt is open to everyone young and old as long as they come dressed as a pirate - there’s no need to register.

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera Tourism Company said, “The Pirate Festival really brings the historic port of Brixham to life with thousands of pirates on the quayside and lots of fun for the whole family. It’s the perfect day out.”

And keep a lookout for the Navy who will be heading into town in search of pirates. A clash is inevitable!

May Bank Holiday Weekend on the English Riviera also sees the brand NEW FREE TorqEat Food Festival (4 May) and BMAD Motorbike Festival (3/4 May).

What to Wear for the Pirate Record Attempt

If you are taking part in the record attempt you must clearly resemble a pirate, this is what you need to wear throughout the attempt ... 

A pirate style hat (or bandana/kerchief)

An eye patch

An accessory: sword, hook, musket, skull and crossbones flag, or parrot.

Appropriate shirt: striped shirt, white t-shirt or shirt.

Appropriate trousers: pantaloons, tatty trousers or rolled-up trousers.

Pirate style dresses/skirts for the ladies are fine too.

Where to Stay:

The Quayside Hotel