to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Plymouth Pirates Weekend a record-breaking swashbuckling success
20th May 2025
From Bretonside to the Barbican, from West Hoe to Royal Wiliam Yard, Plymouth waterfront was transformed into a haven for buccaneers this past weekend as the annual Plymouth Pirates Weekend once again drew crowds of enthusiastic landlubbers and seasoned sea dogs alike. The two-day event, held on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May, saw visitors enjoying a treasure trove of pirate-themed entertainment, from swashbuckling street performers and captivating storytelling to themed traders markets and interactive activities.
A highlight of the weekend was the Jeremiah's Journey Pirates Fun Run, which took place on Sunday morning. Hundreds of participants, many dressed in their finest pirate attire, took to the streets to raise vital funds for the local charity, which supports children and young people who have experienced the death of someone they love.
Jon Walton and Kim Downer, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership: "The atmosphere throughout the entire Pirates Weekend was fantastic – a highest ever 50,000 visitors (including night time trade) across the two days and into the early evening as the shanty bands sang into the night. It's wonderful to see so many people embracing the pirate spirit and enjoying the entertainment on offer.
The Jeremiah's Journey Pirate Fun Run was a particularly special part of the weekend, showcasing the generosity of our community while supporting such an important cause. I [Jon] thoroughly enjoyed participating in the run again this year with my fellow fancy dress pirate participants! Huge thanks to Plymouth Active for the warmup, and to Lisa Brammer for being a fantastic MC. How some managed to run up to 5K in such outfits was a remarkable feat. Pirates Weekend really does show off what an amazing city Plymouth is, a true ocean of smiles.”
John Naismith, Jeremiah’s Journey added:
"We were overwhelmed by the incredible turnout for the Jeremiah’s Journey Pirates Fun Run. Never having received any statutory or commissioned funding, we are heavily reliant on the support of our local community. The funds raised will make a real difference to the children and families we support. Seeing so many people dressed up and taking part with such enthusiasm was truly inspiring. We are so grateful to everyone who participated and to PWP for including us."
Jon and Kim concluded:“Events such as Pirates Weekend take months and months of planning. Thank you to the events team at Plymouth City Council, Plymouth CityBus for supporting this year’s free shuttle bus, the 'Aargh and Ride', Hays Travel for sponsoring the Pirates Treasure Hunt Trail, the thousands of visitors that attended, but mostly the businesses of the Plymouth waterfront who enable this event to get bigger and better each year through their financial support. So many also entered into the spirit of the event by dressing up and decorating their premises in true pirate fashion - amazing and thank you."
Businesses from the Plymouth waterfront are already looking forward to next year's event, which will be the 15th year of Plymouth Pirates Weekend, promising even more swashbuckling fun for the whole family.
