July 18 – July 19
About
Hastings Pirate Day is one of the most popular annual events in Hastings, attracting thousands of visitors to the town’s historic Old Town and seafront. Every summer, pirates of all ages gather for a weekend of entertainment, live music, family activities and colourful parades.
Why Hastings Pirate Day Is So Popular
The heart of the celebration lies in the immersive dress code, with streets filled with people dressed as pirates in eye patches, tricorn hats, striped shirts and traditional swashbuckling outfits. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with music, street performers and constant calls of “Arrr!” echoing through the Town.
The event has grown into a major highlight of the summer calendar, with visitors returning year after year for its unique mix of community spirit, seaside setting and full town-wide participation.
Guinness World Record for pirates
Hastings also holds an impressive title. The town still retains the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Gathering of Pirates.” This record was set on July 22, 2012, when 14,231 costumed pirates gathered on Pelham Beach. Although other locations, including Penzance, have tried to break the record, Hastings remains unbeaten. As a result, this achievement is a proud part of the town’s identity.
Things to See and Do at Hastings Pirate Day
Across the weekend, Hastings Old Town, The Stade and the seafront host a packed programme of pirate-themed activities:
- A Buccaneers’ Parade through the Old Town and seafront
- Live music stages featuring sea shanties, folk and pirate bands
- Street performers including stilt walkers, sword displays and roaming characters
- Markets selling crafts, costumes, food and pirate merchandise
- Family treasure hunts and themed trail activities
- Children’s entertainment including storytelling and face painting
The Stade Open Space typically serves as the main hub for live performances and food stalls.
The Hastings Pirate Ball
As part of the wider Pirate Weekend celebrations, the Hastings Pirate Ball is a ticketed evening event held in the Old Town, traditionally at East Hastings Sea Angling Association.
The Pirate Ball features live shanty bands and themed entertainment, creating a more intimate and lively night-time atmosphere for attendees. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest pirate attire, and costume competitions are often held, with prizes for the best dressed pirates of the night.
Winners of costume awards have historically been given special recognition and may even be invited to play a role in the following day’s parade, adding to the community spirit of the weekend.
It is one of the standout fundraising events of the Pirate Weekend and is popular with both locals and visitors looking to extend the celebrations into the evening.
Parade and participation
The main Buccaneers’ Parade takes place on the Sunday, with participants gathering in costume before marching through the town centre towards the seafront. Anyone can join in, provided they wear pirate-themed clothing and accessories such as hats, bandanas, swords, flags or eye patches.
The parade regularly draws large crowds, with both participants and spectators lining the streets to watch the procession.
Why visit
Hastings Pirate Day celebrates the town’s maritime heritage while offering a fun, inclusive and immersive experience for all ages. It combines history, entertainment and community spirit, making it one of the most distinctive seaside events in the UK.
Stay at Apollo Guest House
Visitors staying at Apollo Guest House benefit from being within walking distance of the main Pirate Weekend events, including the Old Town, parade route, seafront activities, and evening entertainment. This makes it an ideal base for enjoying the full weekend experience without needing transport.
