To celebrate Bangor’s first Pirate Invasion, taking place this Easter Monday, April 6, local businesses have generously donated hundreds of prizes to be given out to lucky visitors.
On the day, the town will be transformed into a pirate wonderland and 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, Development Director at Bangor Chamber of Commerce said: “Bangor Chamber of Commerce are eggs-cited to be part of this year’s Easter Monday festivities. With numerous Chamber member cars taking part in the parade we also have well over 250 ‘Spot Prizes’ on to be won on the day. Everything from an Easter Egg, shopping vouchers, free ice cream, passes to Pickie Fun Park, passes to Aurora, Personal training sessions, Free eye tests, free fry-ups, hair and beauty prizes and LOTS more! Not forgetting the ultimate ‘STAR PRIZE’ a £100 voucher and a personal shopper experience at MENARYS BANGOR; a customised Cut & Blow Dry that caters for the winner’s lifestyle. Plus a stress relieving sensory journey using natural essential oils. Provided by NICHOLAS GRAHAM CONCEPT SALON & SPA; a skincare review and full make-up along with a manicure, provided by OMEYA DAY SPA all followed by Afternoon Tea for Two at the SALTY DOG HOTEL. Prizes are won by picking up a Chamber of Commerce Pirate Treasure Coin on the day. Bangor Chamber of Commerce President, Thomas Fegan said: ‘It’s brilliant to be involved in such a great day for Bangor and to have such fantastic support from our local businesses, we are genuinely thrilled with the level of support and look forward to a cracker day! We are looking forward to more events bringing local traders together, promoting Bangor as the destination we know and love.’
The highlight of the day will be the spectacular Pirate Parade which will be taking place at 3pm when over 200 children and young people from local youth and dance groups across 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 have a distinctly community feel this year with involvement from The Bangor Chamber of Commerce who will have branded cars featured in the parade and Bangor Rugby Club who will be providing players to push some of the floats around the town and also cycling a barista pedal bike! The parade will also include many other local groups and organisations including Rathgael gymnasts, McMasters Stage School, Victoria School of Dance, North Down Scouts, 12th Bangor Brownies, the RNLI, Ballyholme Yacht Club, Pickie Fun Park and many more!
Project 24 will be turned into “Pirate 24” for the day, a fun Treasure Island full of pirate-themed crafts, activities 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. Look out for the pirate statue and stilt walker who will also be making an appearance. There will also be “X Marks The Spot” face-painting stations located throughout the Town Centre, North Down Museum and Bangor Aurora 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!
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!
On The Promenade, a special pirate land train will be giving free rides all day. And all of this coincides with the opening of the brand new pirate play park at Pickie Fun Park – check out the new park, take a ride on a swan, play in the play park or just have a coffee and relax in the café.
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 www.northdowntourism.com