Pirate Plunder is an independent title published thrice a year in May, August and November for The Pirate Brethren of the British Isles. It aims to encourage the fundraising activities of pirate crews by promoting pirate festivals and other events where charitable pirates are to be found.
Front Cover. Main image: Whilst in British waters, the Galeón Andalucía berthed at Trinity Landing, Cowes, where she welcomed local dignitaries and an Isle of Wight shanty band. Inset: Jack Sparrow chats to a mini marauder masquerading as a demure lady pirate at Whitby Pirate Festival.
Before going to press, news reached me that plans are already under way for Brixham Pirate Festival (BPF) from 3-5 May, 2025, and the organisers are promising even more excitement and adventure. There will be an expanded programme of events, including a parade of pirates, skirmishes and re-enactments, children’s entertainers and a wide variety of musical genres, ranging from pirate rock to sea shanties, as well as the popular Shanty Market. Monday will be a quieter day for families, with a more relaxed atmosphere, beginning with a children’s parade, followed by story-telling sessions.
This year’s BPF made history as the largest gathering of pirates in modern times, which gained it the coveted title of ‘Finest International Pirate Festival in the World’. The International Pirate Rendez-Vous was a spectacular addition to the festival, establishing its position as a ‘must attend’ event on the global pirate calendar.
After spending many years weathering salt-spumed storms with the Captain, his wife, hitherto called Saucy Sue, feels that the soubriquet Salty Sue is far more appropriate and has been well-earned.
Scuttlebutt
News and rumours from The Pirate Brethren of the Seven Seas.
Broadside
Black Rat builds a bar from a salvaged yacht, Lin Wilson confirms the date for next year’s Withernsea Pirate Festival and Cap’n Frank Sharman reports on a busy year.
Two universities are hotbeds of piracy
Two university pirate societies are introduced and advised to study the useful tips featured in ‘Land Pirate’s Life’.
Captain’s journal
4
Festival focus
6
8
Pirates were in action across the land as five major festivals took place from Dorset to Whitby between August and October.
Making a pirate gift from Santa 18
Jonathan Mann describes how to make a scaled-down, simplified version of the supersized bagatelle he designed for this year’s Conwy Pirate Festival.
Shantyman
10
The Captain sails from Port Royal, but after experiencing a panoply of misfortune caused by Papa Gray, gives the order to come about and return to port.
A worthy successor to ‘Treasure Island’ 11
Just published, ‘Treasure and Redemption’ by Commander Roger Johnson of the US Navy (rtd) is the third title in a trilogy called ‘Of Chains and Slavery’.
Smuggling tub men gathered at The Ship Inn 12
Well-armed gangs of tub men drank in The Ship Inn at Herne Bay, Kent, until illicit cargo was unloaded and could be removed.
The historic town of Harwich again rang out with lively music and song as fearsome pirates and other shanty lovers flocked to the 18th Harwich Shanty Festival.
Trading post
Weapons, clothing, boots, hats, eye patches, earrings, tankards for grog and all manner of gear for pirates.
How to become a pirate
List of active pirate crews from the coast of South Devon up to the shores of the Forth and Clyde.
Where
to see pirate
action
Calendar of festivals or re-enactment events either organised by pirates or likely to be subject to a pirate attack.
Scuttlebutt
Richard Gale, founder of Kids Initiative, with his giant cheque.
Flag fit for pirates
A competition organised by Conwy Pirates to ‘Design a Flag’ was recently won by young pirate Noah Williamson (4) of Porth y Felin primary school in Conwy, North Wales.
Pillaging benefits charities in Poole
Harry Paye Day was celebrated on 15 June and some very successful pillaging was achieved by the Pirates of Poole, who choose two or three local charities to support each year. In 2024, these were: Poole Town FC’s Kids Initiative, who support children that have learning disabilities, whose home life is difficult or the family is in financial difficulties and any child who wants to access sport, but need encouragement; Poole Disability Club for people
with physical disabilities that may need transport to reach the venue; and DAWG, which rescues animals in distress.
On 16 October, the Pirates of Poole Presentation Evening was held at La Mia’s on Poole Quay when giant cheques for £2,500 were handed over to Kids Initiative and Poole Disability Club, along with one for £500 to DAWG – a grand total of £5,500.
A rumbustious time was had by the pirates and their guests from the charities, with music provided by Purbeck Storm.
Pirates of Poole having a rumbustious time at La Mia’s on Poole Quay.
Two of the crew, aided by celebrity parrot Breezeblock, visited his school to present him with a real version of his design and a scroll to celebrate his achievement.
It’s a fact
Pirates, like most mariners in the days of sail, were dependent on the weather for good luck and safe passage to a friendly harbour. They held a number of superstitions, amongst which was the belief that women were likely to bring disaster on a voyage if carried aboard. This was despite the fact that a ship’s figurehead, invariably carved in the form of a bare-breasted woman, was considered to be the spirit of the vessel and had the ability to calm an angry sea!
Calypso, a Greek sea nymph
has been described as able to distract seamen with her beauty and lead them to destruction, so this prejudice had obviously been around for centuries before crews from the Golden Age of Piracy sailed the seven seas There may, of course, have been some truth in it as a woman on board would likely have tempted the crew and even led to fights as they competed for her favours.
Played by
Naomie Harris, she was an important character trapped in body of Tia Dalma by Davy Jones in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.
‘The Last Shanty’on Galeón Andalucía
While it was berthed at Trinity Landing, Cowes, from 3-8 September, local dignitaries were welcomed aboard the Galeón Andalucía and a copy of the ‘Isle of Wight Armada Coast’ by local author and historian, David Baldwin, was presented to the Captain, Miguel Cuesta.
Other visitors included the Island’s Sea Gels Shanty Band, who regaled visitors with an impromptu version of ‘The Last Shanty (A Sailor Ain’t A Sailor)’ by Tom Lewis to applause from the public gathered on the deck.
Broadside
Iexpect in previous correspondence, you remember I turned me old ship’s tender into a land-based garden seat for me and me wench. I thought ye might be interested in the latest addition to me fleet –the capture and salvage of a 24 ft Thompson yacht – and, as you can see, I be having a few drinks on the bow. The downside is that 22 ft of it sank with the weight of gold it contains and is resting at the bottom of the sea with Davy Jones, but you can’t win ‘em all!
I decided this vessel is rather posh and so be running it under the
red ensign. Of course, should the occasion arise and I spot a prize, up will go me black flag!
Phil Pepworth (AKA Black Rat), Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
The date for next year’s Withernsea Pirate Festival has been set for Saturday, 19 July, and will be held in the town’s Valley Gardens again from noon until 10 pm.
We will be hosting an afternoon of fun, games, shanty sing-alongs and a fancy-dress competition between noon and 6pm. In the evening, local bands will perform live
The Pirate Guys
All around the world and even hundreds of miles above it on the International Space Station, people celebrate ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’ on 19 September. To discover how it began by chance in 1995 visit: www.talklikeapirate.com
on stage. There will also be food stalls and a fullylicenced bar.
John (Ol’ Chumbucket) Baur
Mark (Cap’n Slappy) Summers
Ship’s tankard
King’s shilling tankard Round porthole flask
Usquabae thistle skull and hearts pocket flask
Lin Wilson, Withernsea, East Yorkshire
Just a few short lines from Sea Dragon Pirates to say ahoy and hope ye is in good spirits, that being rum of course!
It’s been a busy year. Three new Sea Dragon craft have been built and that doesn’t include the miniature pirate ships that have been charting water-filled potholes in local roads – one sank without trace –and, at Whitby Pirate Festival, our sea dog Pip won the Best Sea Dog competition in his small one-dog boat, Sea Dog 1.
I decorated the house for Halloween with scary stuff – it fair shivered me timbers, particularly after I squeezed Sea Dragon 13 into the living room as it seemed a good idea to have a ghost ship to sit
around and drink! Too soon, I seem to be at the end of this parchment scroll, so I must bid ye farewell.
Cap’n Frank Sharman, Sea Dragon Pirates, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Frank and his crew sailing Sea Dragon 8 on the River Derwent.
Two universities are hotbeds of piracy
There are just two student pirate societies now listed in ‘How to become a pirate’ on pages 24-25, the pirate society at the University of Sussex having sunk without trace. Both are currently active and their aims and interests are as follows:
Aberystwyth Pirate Society This has the laudable aim of bringing all pirate enthusiasts together to partake in piratethemed events, such as movie nights, pub outings, treasure hunts and more!
This is all achieved in a fun, safe and judgement-free environment where anyone can engage with like-minded people over pirates, pirate history and pirate media – whether your interest is educational, recreational or just for fun, we
Gaz Brookfield.
hope students with a piratical turn of mind will come along and hang out.
University of Manchester’s Pirate Society Members like to have fun, dress up and raise money for charity for which it is in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, the RSPCA and Lifeshare to plunder (voluntarily) the riches of the public and
donate the booty to address the needs of cancer patients, protect animals from abuse and support the homeless across Manchester and Salford.
The UoM Pirate Society has a new hand at the helm, Cap’n Richard Hardon (Editor: I assume, Dick, that your name is an alias), and holds the view that pirates lived in fair and equal societies, so why shouldn’t we? Potential recruits can approach members when seen raising awareness in their recognisable pirate garb or take part in one of their events for an optional fee, 100% of which is donated to charity. Pirates hate profit (?), so join the crew and have fun dressed up as a pirate for charity!
Advice from the Editor
In your quest to become pirates, I suggest all students study the useful tips featured in ‘Land Pirate’s Life’, which was written and performed by Gaz Brookfield. It was featured on his album ‘In the Company of Thieves’ and this be the Youtube link: https://youtu.be/ pz1tdDLpIuE?feature=shared
It provides helpful advice on attire, attitude, weaponry, rum and the sea, with some final words on exposure therapy for aquaphobia!
Captain’s journal 9 th April, 1674
Greetings, if you were hoping for an update on my voodoo man situation then prepare yourself for disappointment. It’s one thing to go hunting for a vodouist’s help, quite another when one hunts you back and as much as we desire the aid, I don’t like being summoned. So, calling a meeting of my officers and inexplicably, Kate (who seems to be slowly moving into my quarters), I announced my intention to completely ignore the parchment with its disturbingly accurate caricature and think up a new plan. At this point, Kate accused me of being a contrarian, so I pointed out that I hadn’t ever even been to Contraria, then Davy agreed with me, so I said actually maybe I was Contrarian on my mother’s side, then Kate explained what a contrarian was and I
went off in a huff. Either way I’m the Captain and what I say goes, so there!
Unfortunately, the vodouist appeared to have other plans – a rash of bad luck worse, or at least more frequently felt, than the events that led to the commissioning of our propitiatory figurehead. The first day out from port wasn’t so bad, although I did upend an inkwell in my lap and bark my shin on a brass-banded urn. The subsequent days, however, I
experienced a panoply of misfortune so intense, it left me wondering if I’d spent a day sitting under a ladder smashing mirrors and somehow blotted out all memory of it.
On the evening of the fourth day, after my third papercut of the day and tripping over the ship’s cat (Fatbat), I decided I could no longer put this mischief down to unhappy coincidence and tasked Chalky with finding out more about this latest,
apparently authentic, practioner. To this end, after quizzing the crew, he brought me Titus, who’d joined us from a slaver vessel and knows the ins and outs of all the peoples around Port Royal. Despite an eagerness to help and an overabundance of eagerness to sample the rather finer rum I keep for my own personal use and special occasions (any day of the week with a Y in it), he was reluctant to share too much about Papa Gray. From what I can gather, he has a fierce reputation as a voodoo man and folk physician, and is at home with hindrance as much as help. When I queried whether he could be the cause of my current sorrows his response was an emphatic nod. When I asked how to make it stop, he answered: “Give him what he wants, else he keep jookin’ you”. With a heavy heart I gave the order to come about and return to port. Not a single incident has befallen since, so I’ll see him and send the message loud and clear that I’m no dog to be summoned thus, and there gentle reader I must leave you as I have to go for my walk.
A seaworthy successor to ‘Treasure Island’
The third title in a trilogy called ‘Of Chains and Slavery’ by Commander Roger Johnson of the US Navy (rtd) has just been published by Seaworthy Publications and is now available from Amazon. The trilogy is a worthy successor to Robert Luis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’, which first appeared in a magazine for children called ‘Young Folks’ in 1881, only becoming a book intended for young and old two years later.
Roger was born in 1944 and grew up in Los Angeles. His father (Walter) invented the roto-moulded kayak that opened the whitewater industry to the indestructible boats that are used on rivers all over the world and was also the coach of the 1972 Olympic whitewater canoe/kayak team at Munich, Germany, which led to Roger being trained as the steersman for the first mainland team to compete in the Molokai to Oahu outrigger canoe races in 1960 and 1961.
At just 17, he joined the Naval Air Reserves and after several tours of duty during which he married and became a father himself, he joined the fire service in which he served for 27 years. In 1988, he became fascinated by pirate adventure novels and
quickly read a dozen. His and ‘Slavery and Revenge’, with Redemption’.
quickly read a dozen. His wife (Elizabeth) suggested that since he liked the genre so much he should write one himself. It took nearly two years and that was the beginning of what was to become a serious writing career. His first novel was ‘The Treasure of Dead Man’s Chest’, a sequel to ‘Treasure Island’. Since that time, he has written more novels culminating in the 180,000-word trilogy about the adventures of Pirate Captain Joshua Smoot.
The three titles follow the exploits of the bastard son of the pirate, Captain Flint, during the Golden Age of Piracy. The first two are ‘John Flint’s Bastard’
and ‘Slavery and Revenge’, with the latest entitled ‘Treasure and Redemption’.
read Robert Louis Stevenson’s a child, and have wondered what happened to Long John Silver, of Dead Man’s Chest. You now hold in your hands the third novel in the ‘Of Chains and Slavery’ trilogy, which answers those nagging questions. True
was able to lead, coerce and manipulate many of the men who to unknowingly do his bidding,
A summary on the back cover is as follows: “If you are like me, you read Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’ several times as a child, and have wondered what happened to Long John Silver, Benn Gunn and The Treasure of Dead Man’s Chest. You now hold in your hands the third novel in the ‘Of Chains and Slavery’ trilogy, which answers those nagging questions. True to his nature, Long John Silver was able to lead, coerce and manipulate many of the men who fought the American Revolution to unknowingly do his bidding, even General George Washington and John Paul Jones – all during a 20-month period in which that famous young naval hero disappeared from the history books.
“You will watch Pirate Captain Joshua Smoot’s life transition as successes and failures twist and reshape him into the man that destiny had always intended. You will also discover what happened to Long John Silver, what happened to the treasure and what happened to Rebecca Keyes – Joshua’s betrothed.”
More information from www.seaworthy.com
HELM CLOCK
Smuggling tub men gathered at The Ship Inn
Under new management since April, last year, The Ship Inn on the seafront at Herne Bay, Kent, has been serving thirsty customers since 1385 and is considered to be the oldest building in town. Today’s patrons are a far cry from the well-armed gangs of smuggling tub men that used to gather at the inn in the 18th century and were known to fight hard when protecting their haul of brandy, gin, tobacco and other booty from each other and the revenue officers.
During an operation, a boat laden with contraband would wait in the bay until a lantern on the beach signalled that the coast was clear and after being unloaded, her illicit cargo was removed by the tub men. They were so called because of the small, oval barrels called halfankers, tied together in pairs, which were used to carry spirits. The life of these men was harsh as the era was a dangerous one with political unrest, economic upheaval and the fight for religious freedom. Born into a world of limited opportunities, the smuggling tub men often came from humble beginnings
as fishermen, sailors or traders. Living in coastal communities, they learned about the tides, currents and hidden routes. This local knowledge allowed them to evade the authorities, thus increasing their value as smugglers.
The Kentish economy was in a period of decline in the 18th century and records show that an agricultural worker could be paid as little as seven or eight shillings a week to support his family, whereas he could earn ten shillings for just one night’s work as a tub man, so it is no surprise that recruits were easy to find!
These days, there is always a warm welcome at The Ship Inn and its new landlords offer both a restaurant and a bar service, with an uninterrupted view of the sea from the cosy interior, with exposed beams, or outside on the spacious decking. It is a dog-friendly pub located only a 25-minute walk from Herne Bay train station or 15 minutes using public transport. More information from www.facebook.com/theshipinnhernebay
A tub man carrying spirits.
The cosy interior has exposed beams.
The Ship Inn’s new sign.
Spacious decking overlooks the sea.
ISLE OF WIGHT
WEDS 13TH - SAT 16TH AUGUST 2025
Grab your finest pirate attire and set sail to the historic coastal town of Ventnor, where tales of smuggling and pirates run in our blood. Join us in this FREE festival of three days and four nights to celebrate all things pirate!
PIRATE CARNIVAL PROCESSIONS – STALLS – BEACH TUG OF WAR PIRATES IN THE STOCKS – JACK SPARROW MEET AND GREET AND MUCH MORE!
Festival focus Pirates in action
Five major festivals took place from Dorset to Whitby between August and October. Brief reports, together with some great pictures, have been submitted for each event and are published here in chronological order.
The tenth anniversary of the Matlock Bath Pirate Mutiny took place on 3-4 August at The Fishpond restaurant and in Derwent Gardens alongside the River Derwent. This year, it was in aid of the Me & Dee Charity, which assists families where the parent or child has a life-limiting or life-shortening health condition and gifts them the means to share the precious time they have left together.
There was stirring performance by the famous Rock Choir and
The Old Time Sailors played at The Fishpond. Other attractions
included a kids’ fun fair, face-painting and boats to hire. Retail opportunities were provided by some interesting stalls set up in the Pirate Market.
The inaugural Ventnor Pirate Festival was held from14-17 August to coincide with the town’s carnival on the Isle of Wight and benefitted from having the support of Ventnor Town Council, as well as the involvement of Blakes Longshoremen tea hut and the Longshoremen’s Museum, The Spyglass Inn and many other proprietors in the town.
The picturesque seaside town on the Southern shores
A band of mutineers, with skulduggery in mind, at Matlock Bath’s Derwent Gardens.
Pirates at Ventnor’s inaugural festival on the Isle of Wight.
across the land
of the island was a transformed into a haven for pirates young and old, with a treasure trove of activities and entertainment for locals and many visitors. Neil Gibbs, owner of The Spyglass Inn on the seafront and one of the organisers, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, have fun and celebrate our coastal heritage”.
The Festival featured a Pirate Carnival Procession, a Best-Dressed Pirate Competition, fireworks display, barrel rolling,
Festival focus
beach. Live music and refreshments were available at The Spyglass Inn throughout the day and on into the evening.
tug-o-war and sea shanties. There was also a Pirate and Lollipop Limbo contest on the
Another anniversary was celebrated on the Summer Bank Holiday from 24-26 August when the Day of Syn took place at Dymchurch on Romney Marsh in Kent. In 1964, the Parochial Church Council of St Peters and St Paul urgently needed funds to pay for the renewal of the church roof. In order to raise money, the church decided to organise a pageant and fete for the local village. Russell Thorndike, the creator of the Reverend Doctor Christopher Syn, who moonlights as the smuggler hero Dr Syn, permitted the church to use the title ‘Day of Syn’ for the event, which continued to be held every two years.
In 1966, a committee
was formed to organise it and raise funds to put on the pageant for free. The members do not receive any payment for their efforts, all their hard work being on a voluntary basis.
Over 60 years, the Day of Syn has grown from being just one day, the August Bank Holiday Monday, to a weekend event attracting thousands of visitors from all over the country.
What can one say about Whitby Pirate Festival, which took place from 30 August-1 September, except that it just gets better every year? It now spreads throughout this Yorkshire town, but most of the action takes place around the harbour.
In yet another anniversary, it celebrated its 20th year of being organised by the Whitby Pirate Society,
Some of Whitby’s flamboyantly-dressed festival-goers.
Festival focus
whose chosen charity is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The absolutely stupendous amount of £3,832.50 was collected this year to provide much-needed funds for the local lifeboat station.
There was a wide variety of entertainment on offer, from the rousing nautical tunes of the Jack-Tars to Steampunk Morris dancing by the Ravens Morris side and there was particular emphasis on keeping young pirates amused and interested. However, the pirates and wenches attending the event were an entertainment in themselves – known for its Goth connections; Whitby must win a prize for the most
flamboyantly-dressed festival-goers!
Finally, Weymouth Pirate Fest in Dorset, brought to the most loyal men and women of the The Pirate Brethren by The Dolmen from 4-6 October, was its usual mix of fun, frivolity and not a small amount of alcohol.
Once again, The Dolmen made their HQ in Hardy’s Hophouse from where they sallied forth to entertain the crowds and introduce other musical entertainment. They also played in the Pirate Parade.
The event, which is enthusiasticallysupported by business in the town, was considered by regular visitors to be the best yet.
Dr Syn in action at Dymchurch, Kent.
The Dolmen leading the Pirate Parade in Weymouth (picture courtesy of Rob Reeks).
Making a pirate gift from Santa
By Jonathan Mann*
Irecently posted pictures on the Conwy Pirate Festival page of the event’s new game, a super-sized pirate bagatelle. This game incorporates electronic sound effects and measures 8 x 4 feet, making it quite an imposing addition to our growing inventory of themed games.
Cap’n Davy, Editor of PP, contacted me and asked if I could produce a scaled-down, simplified version for readers to make as a pirate Christmas gift for young cabin boys and girls. With a tight deadline, I came up with this simplified version, which took around three hours of work and cost approximately £20 in materials.
The base board is 18 mm ply thick (although it could be thinner) to allow for good fixing with the panel pins and enough weight to resist
sliding in operation. No sizes are critical to this project so you can select our own size, but mine measured 48 x 24 inches.
The top of the board needs to be round to deflect the ball. I generally mark these curves using a simple trammel made from a strip of wood with a hole for a pencil and a central nail to swivel around (pic 1). The curve can be cut with a jigsaw or coping saw and finished with sand paper to ensure a smooth curve.
The sides of the game can be made of thin wood or ply, but for simplicity in bending I used 50 mm uPVC cladding available from any plastic supplier (pic 2). This can be glued and pinned to the sides of the base board.
The next part of the job is the striker, which fires the ball. I used a marble, but a large ball bearing would be better. The striker is a length
2
of half-inch dowel with a knob formed from a short length of broom handle. Drill a hole in the broom handle and glue the striker into it to
retain the striker and give something to grip. The striker dowel is powered by an elastic band passed through a small hole in the centre and secured to 1
3 4
the sides of the assembly with drawing pins (pic 3). The striker needs to pass through a hole in the bottom end of the game and is kept in line by a guide rail fixed to the surface of the board. This bagatelle is designed for a right-hand use, but can be made left-handed if required.
That completes the construction of the main game. The next job is to ‘piratise’ the project and I decided to add a skull, cannon, cutlass, treasure chest and a boat as decoration on the board (pic 4). These items make the game more interesting by giving obstacles for the ball to bounce off or deflect from. Placement should be decided to give the best play, but be careful not to form traps for the balls (pic 5). After painting, the various props can be glued to the base board.
To complete the project, form targets using panel pins to catch the scoring balls. These can be placed wherever you want and score numbers added as appropriate. Make these reflect the skill needed to score by carrying out
a few test plays before allocating numbers to each target. We used our Cricut machine to add silhouettes of mermaids and scores, but paint or pen is fine Finally, add a piece of wood under the top of the board to angle the bagatelle, so that the balls roll back after being fired. Trial and error is
best here based on the power of your elastic band and the board size, etc. If you are making this for yourself then there are no problems, but if you want to sell, raffle or otherwise distribute it, then ensure that there are no loose parts or sharp edges and that you use child-safe paints.
We hope you enjoy coming to the Conwy Pirate Festival and trying your hand on the full size version, along with the other new games we have in the pipeline!
*More examples of Jonathan’s work can be seen on his Facebook page: Glipso - Custom Re-enactment Woodwork.
saturday 14th june 12 noon - 6pm poole quay - dorset 2025
Pirate Parade at 12 noon, all pirates welcome to join... Live Music – Fairground rides – Wimborne Militia Cannons Meet Jack Sparrow and our very own Pirate Surgeon Sawbone Coffin Children’s Fancy Dress Competition & Treasure Hunt Stocks – Tombola – Stalls – Ball & Chain – Aunt Sally Boards Face Painting & much more – Pirates of Poole Shenanigans for all!
In support of three local chosen charities, nominations now being considered
Organised by: Pirates of Poole piratesofpoole@yahoo.co.uk – Activities subject to change –
Shantyman Pirates and shanty lovers at Harwich
Debbie Jones, Press Officer of the Harwich International Shanty Festival, which is entirely run by volunteers, despatched this exclusive report on the event for readers of Pirate Plunder.
“I am glad to say that the streets of the historic town of Harwich again rang out with lively music and song as fearsome pirates and other shanty lovers flocked to the 18th Harwich Shanty Festival in their thousands from the 11-13 October. The festival has grown immensely in size and popularity over the last 18 years, and an estimated 10,000 people attended this year’s event, with shanties and sea songs continuing to be the backbone of the festival. There were concerts, boat cruises, train trips, pub sessions and free outdoor entertainment, with shanty crews from The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Canada and the UK. There were also historical walks and talks, street theatre and maritime crafts.
“The piratical fraternity were well-represented! A marauding band of River Rogues Pirates caused mischief and mayhem when they fought with the King’s German Artillery and Sea Fencibles, with skirmishes, musket and cannon firing, and sword fights, both at the Redoubt and on the beach. Pirates were up to no good on the Shanty trains, which ran between Harwich and Manningtree, and at the Cool Skool for Pirates where young people were recruited into this disreputable profession and encouraged to learn how to be a
real pirate, with songs, actions and shadow puppetry led by Charlotte Oliver and Hannah Hill.
“We had several special events this year. At the Late Night Extra in the Electric Palace there was original footage from the great days of sail, demonstrating vividly the hard life at sea around the end of the 19th Century, interspersed with songs from the magnificent Kimber’s Men. Also at the Palace was a world premier of a new documentary film featuring the Oyster Industry of
Mersea Island and an entertaining and informative one-man show about the trawling industry in Hull. Other shows included a musical study of memorial tiles in Brightlingsea Church and a new musical production telling of punishment by transportation in 19th Century London. To celebrate the wealth of visiting international talent we had a ‘Singing in Tongues’ concert where all songs were in the language of our overseas guests.
“Families and children were catered for by events at the Redoubt and for the first time we had sessions of Seaside Explorers on the beach. There were also demonstrations of traditional Jig Dolls around the town, with the opportunity to learn how to operate these appealing percussion instruments.
“Over the weekend the pubs were packed and the Saturday night Flagship concert was a sell-out. All in all, there were 237 events and 200 were free!”
She ended her report by hoping to see readers at next year’s festival, which is listed on the opposite page. Up-to-date information is given on its website throughout the year.
River Rogues Pirates causing mischief and mayhem at the Redoubt.
Hannah Hill (left) and Charlotte Oliver of Cool Skool for Pirates.
Sea shanty festivals
Some of the finest shanty crews in the world perform at the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival. Pirates are known to invade Weston-superMare’s festival, so why not dress as your favourite pirate and join in the fun? This edition of the Festival du Chant de Marin is the 16th since its creation in 1987.
Set against the stunning backdrop of North Norfolk, Brancaster Staithe’s festival brings rich maritime traditions to life through soulful sea shanties and lively performances during a weekend, which raises funds for Maritime Search and Rescue stations, such as the National Coastwatch and the RNLI, as well as local charities. There is a report on
St Ives, Cornwall 22-23 November, 2024 www.stivesshantyshout.co.uk
this year’s Harwich International Shanty Festival on the opposite page. Founded in 2019 by Tristan Netherton of the Stuns’ls Shanty Group, the Mevagissey Shanty Festival is a joyful celebration of maritime shanty singing and local heritage. It is supported by Keltek Brewery and the Mevagissey Harbour Board, and has raised over £10,000 for local causes.
Sea Shanty Festival
Cutty Sark, London 23 November, 2024
www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival
Falmouth, Cornwall 13-15 June, 2025
www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk
10-12 October 2025
Brass binnacle clock
Aclock available from Nauticalia has a domed brass case reminiscent of the traditional ship’s binnacle, but houses an
attractive timepiece rather than the usual gimballed compass (Reference SKU: 2105).
Shanty festival pin badge
powered by a single needs to be fitted by
Its quartz movement, which oscillates at a very regular and predictable frequency when subjected to an electrical current, is powered by a single AA size battery, which needs to be fitted by the customer.
The Harwich International Shanty Festival’s new, ‘Limited Edition’, enamelled pin badge is an attractive addition to a shanty fan’s lapel, bag, scarf or cap, but can be used almost anywhere. They also make nice stockingfillers for young pirates of both sexes this Christmas!
from the Ha’Penny Pier Visitor Centre in Harwich.
Encased in brass (an alloy of copper and zinc), which can be polished to a gleaming shine, the clock stands five inches tall.
More information from www.nauticalia.com
They can be ordered by post, reserved online and collected at next year’s festival or can be bought in person
Prices are available on the festival’s website shown below.
More information from www.harwichshanty festival.co.uk
Mini spyglass telescope
Meticulously crafted from sturdy solid brass, the Mythrojan mini spyglass telescope is now available from The Pirate Shop. It
makes a decorative and practical gift for history enthusiasts, collectors or those who love unique, vintage items and appreciate the adventurous spirit of the pirates of yore.
This collapsible hand telescope, housed in a quaint wooden box, is more than a decorative piece; it is a truly unique instrument that will stand the test of time.
More information from www.thepirateshop.co.uk
PIRATES
When buying any of the fine products featured in these pages, I’d be much obliged if ye’d mention Pirate Plunder
The king of hats
Aunique hat-making organisation based in Brixham, Devon, supplies bespoke hat gear in the form of the mighty tricorn(e). It is said that if you want to get ahead – get a hat and the king of hats is the tricorn(e). Individual and authentic examples of this timeless style created by the Shantymen of Devon are proudly worn on the seven seas.
Made from high
quality materials, they are intended to last a lifetime and be passed down to younger members of The Pirate Brethren when their owner retires from active piracy.
These hats provide the ultimate examples of selfexpression for pirates, smugglers, highwaymen, and those that chart their own course through life, such as steampunks, shanty and folk singers, and even Morris dancers. More information from www.shantymentofdevon.com
OLD HARRY’S LOCKER
in Swanage, Dorset, for Nautical Curios Antiques and Collectables
Tel: 07961 572032
E-mail: cw1@gmx.co.uk
Hip holster for flintlock
For pirates who don’t wish to be encumbered with baldrics, Darkblade offers a hip holster, which can be drawn from either left or right-hand side (Editor: I can think of two reasons why this may be an attractive option for wenches). The holster also has holes in the base, allowing it to be tied to the leg for extra stability.
Made of medium weight (2 mm thick) black or brown leather, it will fit a belt measuring up to three inches wide.
This practical holster
can be finished with either brass or silvercoloured rivets.
More information from www.darkblade.co.uk
Unless ye intends to steal a ship or become a mutineer if ye are already on one, then the best course of action is to sign on with one of the active pirate crews listed on these two pages. If retired from a life of piracy, then ye’ve a duty to keep faith with The Brethren by celebrating ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’ on 19th September every year!
Ventnor Pirate Festival www.facebook.com/groups/257241670734903
Whitby International Pirate Society www.whitbypirates.co.uk
Withernsea Pirate Festival www.withernseapirates.co.uk
Ahoy to new crew!
Pirate Plunder welcomes a new crew with a flag that proclaims its colour to the world. The Purple Pirates was formed by three friends at Whitby Pirate Festival in 2023. There are now 300 members on the crew’s Facebook Group and will be holding a Purple Pirate Sunday at Whitby next year. Follow the crew on: www.facebook.com/ groups/458658597005173
Vectis Buccaneers
Where to see pirate action
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this calendar, but like the weather, dates may be subject to change, so you are advised to check the forecast with the organiser’s website afore setting sail. The Editor of Pirate Plunder would also be much obliged if those arranging festivals would let him know of any changes to location, duration or even cancellation of their events due to battles with bureaucrats, plagues from Far Cathay or other circumstances beyond their control.
