Pirates Week just around the corner

By Joanna Lewis, joanna@cfp.ky

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Swashbuckling pirates will once again descend on Cayman’s shore, for the annual Pirates Week festival, confirmed to run from 6 to 16 November.

Pirates of all ages turn out. Photo: File

The annual multi–faceted event – now in its 31st year – brings a host of events bound to capture the imaginations of all. The 11–day line–up includes street dances, games, heritage days, sporting events, parades and the popular mock pirate’s invasion by sea on traditional old–time sailing vessels.

The popular Miss Festival Queen Costume competition and annual Pirates Week Songfest is scheduled for Friday, 7 November, while the newly–introduced Cardboard Boat Races returns on Saturday, 15 November.

Attended by thousands of visitors and locals alike, each year seas a new twist to the celebrations and according to organisers, this year is guaranteed to be the best yet.

“Each year we try to do something new and we have a couple of exciting events which are in the final planning stages,” Pat Bazell–Taylor, chief administrator at the Pirates Week office said. “We are also hoping to bring back the golf tournament, which always proved very popular in the past.

“The fireworks show will also be spectacular. We are using a new local company which will be using the festival as its showcase, so festival goers can definitely expect a display unlike any other before.”

This year’s featured band is Imij & Co. from Trinidad. The band last performed at Pirates Week in 2006.

“Imij & Co. always prove really popular. They play such a wide range of music, which is why people really like them. We have had so many requests to bring them back,” Pat said.

Started by the ten Executive Council Member for Tourism, Jim Bodden in 1977, Pirates Week was originally created to help bolster tourism in what is traditionally a slow time of year. The festival has grown from a single pirate’s street party into a spectacular range of events.

Although pirates were long gone when Cayman’s ancestors settled, Pirates Week seeks to capture the excitement and adventure of the islands buccaneering past.

The only event of its kind in Cayman, Pirates Week has made a firm name for itself as one of the highlights of the Caribbean calendar. In addition it is an ideal time for tourists, residents and locals alike to learn more about this particular aspect of Cayman’s riche culture and historic heritage, thank to pre–organised heritage days at sites of interest across the Islands.

To get involved in Pirates Week, or to enter the Miss Festival Queen competition, Songfest and Cardboard Boat Race visit www.piratesweekfestival.com for further details

WORKSHOP

The Ministry of Culture is holding a costume and float design workshop this weekend.

The workshop will be held this Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm, at the Harquail Theatre.

Costume designer Nadella Riley from Trinidad will lead the workshop, which will include guidance on costume and float design as well as new techniques.

The event is free and open to all to attend. Those entering the Miss Festival Queen competition as well as floats for the Pirates Week parade are urged to attend.

Organisers request that you bring your own glue gun to the workshop.