On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July, the streets of Portrush will be transform into a wonderland where Pirates, Vikings, Medieval Knights and Jacobean Soldiers will welcome and entertain children of all ages.
Portrush Heritage Group announced, at the official launch reception in Portrush Yacht Club, its ambitious plans for this year’s Pirates Off Portrush and Medieval Fair. In attendance at the reception were the Mayor Councillor Maura Hickey, Alderman Hillis, Actors, Volunteers and Sponsors. The festival weekend is jointly funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and local Business and Community Organisations.
The Mayor praised the local traders for backing the initiative and stated that the Council were supportive of Portrush Heritage Group in their efforts to bring new events to the town. Arnaldo Morelli commented that Morelli’s were delighted to be asked to be the lead sponsor and they had plans to create a special pirate ice-cream sundae to celebrate their involvement in the event.
Details of the free family weekend were revealed by Event Director John Moore .
On Saturday morning there will be a Treasure Hunt around the town, Street Dancing, Story Telling, Competitions for Pirate Fancy Dress and Dancing, Big Head Characters, Climbing Wall for the more adventurous, roving 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.
Sunday starts 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 & armour, a basket weaver, story-telling monks, a coracle maker, 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.
Chairman of Portrush Heritage Group John Mc Nally stated that Pirates Off Portrush is…
- a free-entrance carnival weekend to be enjoyed by all
- a programme of drama, dance, music, walkabout entertainers, re-enactment and fun.
- a celebratory atmosphere for all the community
- a wide range of opportunities for groups, individuals and families to participate in the have-a-go events.