The Pirates are coming to Portrush

Well that is what the organisers of ‘Pirates Off Portrush’ are hoping as the town gears-up for its first venture in the world of pirates and pirate treasure on Saturday 6th July.

As part of Coleraine Borough Council’s Regeneration Programme for Portrush, appeals have gone out to the town’s traders to join-in and help create an unforgettable experience for everyone.

The story so far is that Tavish Dhu (Portrush’s infamous pirate) is waiting in the Port while his ship is being repaired at the Old Lifeboat Shelter in Lansdowne. He is on the look-out for a new crew and has already met some of the local school children to encourage them to join his crew.

He has heard that four Navy Ships on their way up the coast and these ships will moor inside the Skerries on the 6th July. The ships have treasure on-board and Tavish has offered to share the treasure with his crew.

The crew will be picked at the Pirate Dress Competition in the Amphitheatre located outside Barrys Amusement Arcade the between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday 6th July.

All kids can enter in the pirates dress competition, with a special category for anyone who wishes to dress as sea creature! Pirates and sea creatures taking part in the competition will be encouraged to join Tavish’s band of followers and parade through the town (starting 3pm) to attack the Navy who will be camped outside The Ramada Hotel, to capture their gold and take prisoners.

Everyone is encouraged to follow the parade and pity the prisoners as they are marched back to the Amphitheatre and made to walk the plank. The day will start with events commencing at 9.30am, running right through to 5.30pm, with a treasure hunt starting at 11am at the Ramada Hotel Portrush.

The event is funded by the Department for Social Development and produced by Coleraine Borough Council and members from Revitalise Portrush. For information on the full ‘Pirates Off Portrush’ Programme, go to www.northcoastni.com or www.colerainebc.gov.uk