Get on board for Larne's first-ever pirate festival

Larne Museum and Arts Centre will be launching the festival on Saturday with a band of marauding pirates invading the museum.

Youngsters can learn how to sword fight, search for buried treasure, hear stories of the high seas and make their very own pirate hat to take home. A special temporary maritime exhibition will also be on display with many items from Larne Museum's collection which have never been seen before.

To add some musical mayhem to the festival, Larne Alive is pleased to welcome back Prison Love and Dirty Blues who will provide some foot tapping entertainment in the McNeill Theatre. This was an excellent show last year and is not to be missed. Tickets cost 12 and are available from Larne Tourist Information Centre.

The festival will launch into full swing on Saturday, June 19 when a band of pirates can be seen on the horizon of Larne Main Street in the Magnificent Pirate Parade which will start at 2pm.

Pupils from local primary schools will be working hard under the direction of Streetwise Community Circus to create an amazing spectacle which will be paraded up the Main Street. There’s sure to be a sea shanty or two and entertainment at Broadway Bandstand to keep you entertained as the parade goes by.

For those who wish to take a more active part in Pirate Festival, they can exercise their vocal cords by taking part in the Arr Factor sea shanty competition. There will be soak the pirate competitions , treasure hunts, a marauders market and lots more all going on in the town centre .

To take part in the sea shanty competition, pick up a registration form from Larne Tourist information Centre, Larne Museum and Arts Centre or email [email protected]

For younger boys and girls, Larne Library are hosting a Pirates and Princesses morning on the June 19 to coincide with the parade. Local storyteller Billy Teare will be presenting stories from the deep and children will be able to create their own pirate hat and eye patch. Children and adults are more than welcome to join the end of the parade at Quay Street.

The festival will continue throughout the week with special treasure hunts around the town centre and pirate promotions at participating outlets. See promotional poster, press and website (http://sites.google.com/site/larnemuseumandartscentre/ ) for more details.

On Saturday, June 26 the Larne Alive Pirate festival will come to an end but not before a spectacular finale - a special maritime theme circus performance from 1.30pm at Broadway bandstand.

There will be re-enactors, pirate skirmishes, fancy dress competition and a best pirate beard competition. Carnfunnock Country Park will also be hosting their very own pirate treasure hunt from 2.30pm-5.00pm.

Please note all outdoor events are subject to change or cancellation. Members of the public are therefore strongly advised to check out www.larne.gov.uk or contact 02828260088 before making their way to the event to avoid disappointment.