Pirates Festival invades Portrush

Portrush Heritage Group announced, at their official launch reception in Portrush Yacht Club, its ambitious plans for this year’s Pirates Off Portrush and Medieval Fair on Saturday and Sunday, July 2-3.

Taking part in Wednesday evening’s launch were the new Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Maura Hickey, Alderman Norman Hillis, actors, volunteers and sponsors.

The festival weekend is jointly funded by Council and local businesses and community organisations.

Details of the free family weekend were revealed by Event Director John Moore, who said that he hoped local families and their children will be entertained and amazed by the exciting programme of events and attractions on offer - the biggestand best Pirates Off Portrush event yet.

On Saturday morning, July 2 there will be a Treasure Hunt around the town, street dancing, story telling, competitions for Pirate Fancy Dress and dancing, Big Head Characters, a climbing wall for the more adventurous and aroving Samba Band.

The afternoon begins in the Amphitheatre and Kerr Street Green with a rollicking tale of piracy on the high seas where the all female crew of Grace O’Malley takes on the all male crew of Tavish Dhu.

Their Pirate Ships set sail around Portrush in a grand chase followed by a parade of floats, actors, dancers, a Giant Pirate, music colour and excitement. To find out who will win the ‘battle of the sexes’ you will have to come along and find out!

The Sundayevents begin at 12 noon with Dragoons firing cannon and muskets, a Medieval Village with Minstrels, a food stall, blacksmith, barbour/surgeon, medieval crafts and games, a battle workshop, weapons and armour, a basket weaver, story-telling monks, a coracle maker, a viking camp and long ship, have- a-go archery, currachs and monks at a medieval well.

To cap it all there will be a giant marquee with the Palais Big Swing Band and a Throne of Swords set and medieval drama.