A swashbuckling day out down on the Barbican
SWASHBUCKLING pirates invaded Plymouth wielding weapons, treasure and barrels of grog.
Captain Jack Sparrow himself was in the city yesterday to welcome landlubbers aboard HMS Bounty.
The tall ship, last spotted in Hollywood blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, moored up at the Barbican as part of a weekend-long celebration of all things pirate.
Everyone from babies to grandparents donned costumes that would have terrified a 17th century Britain.
Children brandishing guns and swords flooded onto the Barbican watched by finely-dressed Royal Naval officers and Royal Marines of the British Empire.
HMS Bounty sailed into the city for its first stop on a four-month European tour.
The fully-working prop was made in 1960 for the Marlon Brando film Mutiny on the Bounty – and is now home to 24 crew members. The stunning vessel is a replica of a famous three-masted cargo ship built in 1794.
It was destroyed following an onboard mutiny six years later, and has since been the subject of two high-profile films.
Shipmates welcomed landlubbers aboard as part of the Barbican's Pirate Days, launched by city tourism chiefs after months of planning.
An authentic Captain Jack Sparrow look-a-like – albeit not Hollywood star Johnny Depp himself – joined HMS Bounty's Captain Robin Wallbridge on board.
Bus tour company Plymouth Discovery Tours ran trips from the Mayflower Steps offering young buccaneers the chance to meet Posh Edna, the penguin from The Herald's cartoon strip the Rockhoppas.
Barbican traders also got stuck into the theme, with pirate costumes, special offers and action-packed family activities.
The Pirate Days were planned by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership in a drive to steer more visitors to the Barbican.
5 Comments
by Jack, The Barbican
Monday, May 23 2011, 1:27PM
“Word Up! Sarah O' Leary, Gemma Axell and Sarah Tapp (sp) and all at PWP and the City Centre Company for taking the concept and making it such a success.
3rd New York Regiment - Oh Yes!
AND the crew of HMS Bounty all loved their time in Plymouth wishing to come back soon”
by 3rd New York regiment, Plymouth
Monday, May 23 2011, 12:47PM
“It was a hectic weekend. The Barbican was heaving with people and our members had a great time. Just say the word Jack and we would be happy to return”
by CB, Plymouth
Monday, May 23 2011, 12:44PM
“What a great weekend down on the Barbican. Well done to Plymouth Waterfront Partnership who put on a fabulous spectacle for Locals and tourist alike, despite Plymouth City Council's obstructive contribution in the form of roads works.”
by Delphine, Plymouth
Monday, May 23 2011, 10:35AM
“I fully agree with Jack, the weekend had such a lovely family atmosphere. This is exactly what the Barbican should be about, especially with having "The Bounty" moored in the harbour. It was just great to see everyone having such a good time. Well done to all concerned. Thank you.”
by Jack, The Barbican
Monday, May 23 2011, 7:43AM
“Thank you to all the thousands of people that came along and joined in the fun.
To the LARP (Live Action Role Players) that gave of their time freely to the very gracious crew of HMS Bounty - most of all the lovely families and their children with happy smiling faces!
Plymouth shone over the weekend and to everyone in life that has a little dream or thought they think might be good for their community - DO IT!”