To celebrate Bangor’s annual Pirate Invasion, taking place this Easter Monday, March 28, local businesses have generously donated 400 prizes to be given out to lucky visitors.

In conjunction with the Bangor Chamber of Commerce, the give-away bonanza will be an added bonus to the day which will see the town transformed into a pirate wonderland.  With lots of local organisations getting behind the event, it should be a fantastic day out for all the family.

Speaking about the event, Paula Kane, Director of Development at Bangor Chamber of Commerce said: “Bangor Chamber is once again delighted to have had overwhelming support from Bangor retailers and businesses in donating prizes for the Easter Pirate Coins Giveaway. Everything from free ice-creams, teas, coffees, lunches, theatre tickets, shopping vouchers, gift vouchers and much more, there are over 400 Pirate Coins to be ‘won’ on the day. The Easter Monday parade is a fantastic annual event which brings in many visitors from across the province and we look forward to giving them a fantastic day in Bangor that all the family can enjoy.”

The major highlight of the day will be the spectacular Pirate Parade, taking place at 3pm when over 200 children and young people from local schools, youth and dance groups across Ards and North Down will make their way around the Town Centre. Look out for pirate ships, colourful bands, pirates, dancers and live music. The parade will also include many other local school and youth groups including; North Down Scouts, Bangor Central IPS, St Columbanus College, St Comgalls PS, Victoria School of Dance and the fabulous Open House Choir!

Project 24 will be turned into “Pirate 24” for the day, a fun Treasure Island full of pirate-themed crafts, activities, street theatre and music. Come and join in the fun in the pirate dress up area, get your face painted or make some crafts in the pirate craft emporium. Walk the plank with some real-life pirates or have a boogie to some Desert Island Discs. There will also be “X Marks The Spot” face-painting stations located throughout the Town Centre and North Down Museum where children can have their faces painted as pirates. There will also be free pirate masks available on the day. Come along and have your little darlings transformed into pirates! And on The Promenade, a special pirate land train will be giving free rides all day.

The McKee Clock Arena, will play host to a special Moto Trial NI motorbike competition guaranteed to thrill and entertain young and old alike! The Pirates of Bangor marina have run aground and Ireland’s best trials riders will be competing over a challenging course of giant drift wood, treasure chests and even a ship wrecked Galleon in this specially designed, arena show to see who can win the treasure!

Be prepared to be thrilled as these talented bikers showcase their amazing skills and perform some breath-taking stunts and manoeuvres! Starting at 12pm, this spectacular show is not to be missed!

So come on down to Bangor this Easter Monday with your family and friends for lots of pirate fun at this FREE event! The fun starts at 12 noon.

For further information check out: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com