Organisers of an annual pirate festival are promising an action-packed schedule of events, performances, and activities for all ages.

This year’s Whitby Pirate Festival, taking place from August 30 to September 1, promises to be the most thrilling yet.

Not only is a weekend of swashbuckling fun assured, but visitors will also be helping to raise funds for Whitby RNLI.

Event Highlights:

Beware the Redcoats are in Town:

They are on the hunt for those infamous, notorious pirates to put in the stocks, so brace yourself for a skirmish or two. The Redcoats will also be enlisting young recruits, putting them through their paces at Pirates Cove and the Bandstand.

Unleash your inner pirate at Whitby Pirate FestivalUnleash your inner pirate at Whitby Pirate Festival (Image: MOIRA JEACOCK)

Auction for the title of Pirate King:

Auction for Pirate King be held on Friday (August 30) at 7.30pm on board the Whitby Endeavour. Being crowned the Pirate King at the Whitby Pirate Festival comes with several exciting benefits including Honour and Recognition by wearing the specially designed crown for the weekend. The king will be the Flag bearer at a Hoist Your Colours event, They will also be Judging the best dressed pirate competition.

Entertainment on Board the Whitby Endeavour:

Kick off the weekend on Friday night with traditional shanty music from The Jack Tars, fresh from their European tour. On Saturday, get ready to party with the Auckland Shanty Singers for a rousing Pirate Shanty Night.

Entertainment and Stalls at the Bandstand:

Join the crew on Saturday and Sunday for a weekend packed with music and entertainment at the bandstand. Enjoy performances by The Whitby Tillermen, Ravens Morris, Coleen’s Fancy, Pirates on Deck, Pen and Stu, and the Whitby Community Choir. Between the acts, Captain Jack – aka Colin Fortune - will be stirring up chaos and mayhem, recruiting a crew of young scallywags for some fun and games.

Unleash your inner pirate at Whitby Pirate FestivalUnleash your inner pirate at Whitby Pirate Festival (Image: MOIRA JEACOCK)

Best Dressed Pirate Competition:

Saturday, August, 31 at 2pm at the bandstand, judged by the Pirate King. Categories include, under 13-year-olds, over 13-year-olds, Salty Sea dogs (best Pirate dog) and parrots.

Hoist the Colours:

This year, marks 20 years of Whitby Pirates and 200 years of the RNLI. Join the crew on Sunday at 1pm at the bandstand to raise your flags and celebrate.

Pirates Cove – Near the Endeavour:

Come and meet a pirate, have your face painted, Selfie Stop and base of the Redcoats. Treasure Hunters Bazaar – Chaple on the Hill, Brunswick Street, Saturday, August 31 to September 1 from 10am to 4pm.

Unleash your inner pirate at Whitby Pirate FestivalUnleash your inner pirate at Whitby Pirate Festival (Image: MOIRA JEACOCK)

Explore the Treasure Hunters Bazaar:

Featuring a variety of stalls offering unique pirate themed merchandise, crafts, and delicious food, mead and rum. From handcrafted gift to pirate merchandise, there is something for everyone.

Pirate Creation Station for Mini Marauders:

Storytelling with Grumble Bear at 11am and 2pm, build a pirate boat and create your own flag for Hoist the Colours with Nan and Van.

Find yer Sea Legs Shanty Workshops:

Arrrr you ready to unleash your inner pirate? Join in shanty workshops led by The Auckland Shanty Singers! Saturday: 10.30am to 11.30am Find yer sea legs Sunday: 10:30am to 11.30am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Venue: Chapel on the Hill Balcony Sing your heart out and learn traditional sea shanties for only £5 per session. Pay on the door. Adults only - see you on the high C’s!

Unleash your inner pirate at Whitby Pirate FestivalUnleash your inner pirate at Whitby Pirate Festival (Image: MOIRA JEACOCK)

Geocache Treasure Hunts:

Older Pirates can embark on a thrilling treasure hunt around the Whitby Pubs, The Quirky Den, The Endeavour, Aboard The Whitby Endeavour, The Black Horse, the Esk Vaults, The Elsinore, The Ship and The Star. Donate to look in the treasure chest, if you like it keep it but replace it with something of the same value or amusement!

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Community Support:

Whitby Pirate Festival has been raising funds for Whitby RNLI since 2008 and are delighted proceeds go towards this worthy cause. You will see lots of Pirate Bucket rattlers in town – so bring some loose change.

Event Organiser, Rosie B, said: “Grab your tricorn or just your swash and your buckle and join us at Whitby Pirate Festival we cannot wait to welcome all our Whitby pirates, of all ages, from near and far for a weekend of unforgettable shenanigans.”

For more information or media inquiries, contact Moira Jeacock (aka Rosie B) at whitbypirates@gmail.com or 07767051204 on WhatsApp.