Hoist the sailsfor Pirate Day

Hundreds of people are expected to dress in swashbuckling attire for Unofficial Pirate Day.

Hastings has already bagged the world record for having the highest number of pirates in one place and Sunday’s colourful day-long celebration will see whole families dressing up as buccaneers and getting involved in the fun.

The huge pirate ship has dropped anchor in Priory Meadow and will provide a fine show-piece for the day’s festivities.

The boat was donated to Hastings by the Tampa Bay Pirates American Football team.

There will be fun events at Priory Meadow centered around the ship.

There are a number of fun events and activities taking place in the Old Town and if the weather is kind the beach will be a great place to spot a crew of pirates.

Hastings Winkle Club has organised a pop-up pirate fete on Winkle Island during the afternoon where people can stock up on piratical attire and equipment.

There will be a number of displays during the morning on the steps of St Clements Church, off the High Street.

Hastings Lifeboat Station will be taking part from 11am, with sea shanty singers performing at 12.30pm to help raise funds for the RNLI.

A number of pubs have pirate themed live music throughout the day with two bands performing at the Stag in All Saints Street, from 3pm while there will be bands, a DJ and barbecue in the beer garden of the Royal Standard.

Roger Crouch, who organised the world record attempt, said: “This is something that the whole town has adopted for it’s own. It is wonderful and unique to Hastings.”

For more information check out the Hastings Unofficial Pirate Day Facebook Page.

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