And so it begins...
Here we are again this year with another round up in pictures of a fantastic 2019 Brixham Pirate Festival! However it was looking touch and go for a while when Bob and Brenda the Festivals’s very own pirate skeletons decided to go on strike for constantly having to work ‘out of hours’. Yes it’s true in fact, indeed here’s Bob starting his shift early Saturday morning and still working late into the evening Monday night. And all without a lunch break!
The Mermaids Cove
This year the Pirate Festival received a very special delivery! Something totally different and a bit of a first for the town.
Setting it all up
The tank holds many gallons of water, so this wasn’t just a case of whipping out the garden hose! In fact uniformed friends were required.
But why a tank?
These two ladies below have a special secret. They go from this....
To this....
Here’s one of the mermaids in action...
I think this mermaid needs a hero to rescue her from the security guards...
Right on cue...
As part of the mermaid cove show there was also fun, antics and acrobatics with our ‘hero’ spending much of his time in the air.
Head over heels
All was fine until...
When the captain Arrives...
Everyone runs away and men turn into mice.
Two young members of the audience volunteered to have a tongue twister competition with the captain. They certainly didn’t seem to mind the captain at all.
Each year the festival just gets bigger and better....
Every year, year on year the festival just gets bigger and better, it’s all round great family fun! The crowds this year were amazing!
A quick shoutout to some of the people who helped it all go off without a hitch...
The Parade assembles...
Each year the parade assembles at the bottom of Brixham’s Fore Street where there are always lots of photo opportunities.
And we are off! The parade gets off to a flying start!
It wasn’t long before Fore Street became a sea of heads
The parade began to wind its way down Fore street. Looking on from above, a sea of heads seemed to be winding its way towards the harbour.
Here’s a few faces from the crowd...
When pirates have a special job to do they often need coffee as well as ale!
Drumming...
The drumming was fantastic as always! And these guys had everyone rocking to the beat!
Music...
There's always a great selection of music and plenty of great bands to see at the Pirate Festival and here's a selection of images from a few of them
Oh dear! Bad hair day?
Just a minute!
Sorted!
This lady was spotted singing down near the harbour. But who is under her hat?
Of course any problems seeing the singers or bands grab yourself a pair of these.
But failing that you can always watch the bands on someone else's phone.
The Seagalls were in fine form again this year!
Let’s not forget our furry friends.
Pets are always welcome at the festival and below are some faces both old and new. Topping the bill however is this little chap called Chester. He sat so patiently while having his picture taken, waiting for his treat. He is super cute and just adorable!
And of course we have to mention our feathered friends too!
These guys were really cool. Each day of the festival they had a change of clothes that matched their parrots outfits - really neat!
And also last but not least our fake furry and feathered friends!
Well if we mention our furry and feathered friends then we can't not mention babies too! I wonder who this amazing buggy belongs to?
The hats were absolutely amazing!
This lady's hat hides a secret!
Just like the hats there were some really fabulous costumes!
Every year the costumes just keep getting better and better. Even our highwayman has had an upgrade! Spot the difference this year, instead of only one pistol he now has two!
Something tells us that this pirate might have been spending a little too much time down at the beach?
One thing for sure there were lots of booms and bangs this year!
For a quick lesson in life for all the novices out there... if you do this...
Then you get this...
I think he's at it again!
Back at base the musketeers begin firing back!
And off he goes again with his touch light!
The cannon fires and he is engulfed in the resulting smoke.
Meet Neil one of the musketeers...
Neil kindly offered to pose with his gun and demonstrate it firing.
Cannons - a rear view...
This year love was definitely in the air!
One thing that is really nice about the Pirate Festival is that it caters for pretty much everyone. However this year seemed to be a year for romance and couples.
This Captain Sparrow looks lovingly at his lady friend.
This Captain Sparrow looks lovingly at his lady friend!! Hang on didn't he just.....
But there's a twist! Wait for it!...
And the reaction?? Comedy gold!
Remember this pirate on the right from the last couple of years? He has a little friend called Pugwash Captain. Well we are pleased to announce that this year...
Pugwash Captain has had a baby! Remember you heard it here first!
However nothing romantically could top this!! Not even baby Pugwash
Our young pirate is looking a bit nervous today and it's not because he's worried about the forthcoming skirmish.
When she arrives, he gets down on bended knee and pops a very special question.
And off they go to sail into the sunset and we wish them many congratulations!
If after all that you are still looking for love then you might like to try one of these special eye devices. Guaranteed to find the love of your life...honestly...
From Romance to Pirate fun...
One thing about photographing pirates is that you never know what they will get up to next. Watch the pirate on the left with the tankard.
A couple of quick tips...
Never make a pirate wear a Happy Birthday Badge it makes them angry.
Always pay your Pirate dues.
Why? Because it makes them happy :-)
Never pinch a Pirates phone.
Why? Because they love new technology.
Naughty Pirates...
Of course we all know where the naughty Pirates go and that is straight to the stocks...this year was no exception although we had some absolutely brilliant faces pulled by our willing victims...
The sponge didn't quite hit the target but it was pretty close.
This lady was a great sport and her facial expressions were brilliant! Well done to all involved!
But what about more serious crimes?
In olden days and the days of the Pirates anyone found guilty of a crime risked the hangman's noose and back again this year is our very own hangman. Just look at those hangman's eyes - quite chilling!
These are just the people to bring any criminals to justice.
Someone who definitely needs to fear the hangman
He's certainly looking a bit worried as he only narrowly escaped last year!
As always there was some great face painting and decoration this year too!
Rum time..
Now there's just time for a quick shot of rum from the rum bar...
And your cigarette break!
What's better than a cigarette break?
It's having another cigarette break. But what's better than two cigarette breaks?
It's having one with a friend. This lady was such a great sport. She didn't really have 3 cigarettes in one go - just one shot in different positions.
Here's someone else smoking a pipe.
Not convinced his friend is enjoying it that much though - cough cough :-)
No festival would be complete without a few street acts...
These ladies like to play with fire!
Can you spot me?
Sadly all good things must come to an end :-(
After a fabulous 3 days the Pirate Festival draws to a close and everyone heads home. However, just like last year there are lots more photos to be added to our 'Rogues Gallery' so if you didn't see yourself here yet this year, do remember to keep checking the link as images will be constantly added throughout the year. Also if you liked the images please click the appreciate button at the end.
Looking forward to seeing you all again next year!
The 'Rogues Gallery'
Don't forget to keep checking back as more images will be added throughout the year! Here's a few to start off with:
Knife crime - no problem. Our Pirates have their own solution for this!
That's all folks!
All images copyright Karyn Easton and shot on behalf of the Pirate Festival.
Secret Shutter Photography
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Credits:
Karyn Easton Secret Shutter Photography Website: www.secretshutter.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.co.uk/secret.shutter Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretshutter Twitter: www.twitter.com/secretshutter Email: smile@secretshutter.co.uk