Overview
Hastings in East Sussex is set to become the pirate capital of the world on July 18 and 19 again with the return of the annual Pirate Weekend in 2026.
The festival was named the ‘Guinness World Record’ holder every year since 2012 for the largest gathering of pirates in one place, (14,231). Officially making the festival the Pirate Capital of the world!
Thousands are expected to dress up to enjoy some swashbuckling fun and this year’s event is looking to be bigger than ever with lots of new attractions added to the already packed programme.
Organiser Anton Burton-Windsor said: “We have new additions this year, including a Discovery Deck, on Saturday 18 on the Stade Open Space from 12 noon – 5pm, where we are inviting new, young, up and coming talent to perform in a battle of the bands to see if they can win the pirate’s bounty and a paid gig at next year’s event.
“We have a Buccaneers Encampment and Pirate Village at Pelham Place with live action re-enactments from The Crew of the Phoenix – a living history group who spend a good deal of time researching and bringing to life the time of the Golden Age Of Piracy – 1695 – 1725.
“There will also be pirate side-shows and games at Butlers Gap, in George Street on the Saturday and Sunday including a coconut skull shy, hook a duck and test your strength.
“You can buy tickets on the website to take part in a Pirate Tavern Treasure Trail around local pubs. We are purely self-funded and it is these sorts of events that help us put on the pirate festival every year. I would also like to give a big shout out to our sponsors.”
There are many free pirate themed events taking place across the weekend and also a few ticketed events such as The Pirate’s Ball, which tales place at East Hastings Angling Club, on the Stade, on Saturday July 18 from 7pm until late.
There are lots of pirate themed events going on over the weekend. The Smugglers Adventure, on the West Hill, has a Pirate Festival with a sea shanty sing-along on Saturday from 1pm – 3pm and smuggling themed story telling on Sunday from 11am – 3pm. There is also a pirate themed festival at Hastings Aquarium over the weekend with a fun treasure trail.
There is a treasure market in the Stade building on Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 5pm, showcasing the work of local crafts people. Meet Captain Courage of the Crimson Tide Pirates at Hastings Fishermen’s Museum on Rock-a-Nore Road, with free sessions on Saturday at 12pm, 3pm and 4.30pm.
Hastings Castle is hosting a family friendly sun-downer party from 5pm – 11pm with a pirate record party, barbecue and bar. Tickets are adults £12, kids £2. The Shipwreck Heritage Museum at Rock-a-Nore is offering pirate themed fun on both days from 10.30am – 5pm.
The highlight of the weekend is the big pirate procession on Sunday which sets off from Robertson Street, in the town centre and moves along the seafront to the Stade Open Space in the Old Town. The procession sets off at 12 noon. This year Hastings is attempting to get into the record books for having the biggest pirate procession in the world. This will be measured by a fun toll booth where everyone taking part in the parade is urged to drop in a coin as they pass. Organisers say that those who don’t put in a coin risk the curse of the dreaded black spot.
The procession is followed by an afternoon of sea shanties and pirate themed live music on the Stade Open Space.
Many of the pubs in Hastings Old Town will have live music and pirate themed fun over both days.