Several highly quirky festivals which celebrate the nautical heritage of Brixham in South Devon will be taking place during 2010. First up, the Brixham Pirate and Shanty Festival (30th April – 3rd May) welcomes people to get on board for a celebration of seafarin’ shenanigans and swashbuckling skulduggery.
Last year they broke the world record for the most pirates in one gathering – with a staggering 1469 people in fancy dress. It’s a record they are looking to smash again next year, so dig out the eye patches and hooks and join in the fun. Expect more pirate themed fun than you can shake a wooden leg at, including the “Aargh Factor” – a sea shanty talent competition, theatre, storytelling and live music. Pirate Days also take place in Brixham every Thursday throughout the season.
The Brixham Heritage Festival (29th May – 5th June) is another fantastic annual celebration featuring live music, dance displays, concerts, children’s entertainment, exhibitions, classic car rallies, crabbing competitions, ghost walks, a carnival parade and fireworks on the opening and closing Saturdays. A highlight is the Brixham Heritage Sailing Trawler Race, offering the chance to see this historic noble craft cut through the waters of the busy fishing port, where the trawler was invented back in the 19th century.
The first Fishstock, a celebration of the sea and seafood, which coincides with the UK Seafood Fortnight was a huge success when it was held two years ago. It took a break in 2009, as the multi-million fish quay regeneration meant that there was no room to host it. The festival on Saturday 11th September offers what organisers describe as a “boat to throat” experience, incorporating celebrity cooking demonstrations, a food market, live music, children’s crabbing competitions etc. The return of the event will coincide with the opening of the new fish quay. The event is held in aid of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.
Brixham remains one of the UK’s busiest fishing ports. Every year over ten thousand tonnes of fresh fish and crustaceans land on the quays, including over 40 species of fish, before ending up in some of the finest restaurants in the country. You couldn’t find a better place to sample the fresh ‘catch of the day’ available from countless restaurants, cafes and seafood stalls. But don’t take our word for it, come and see for yourself – don’t let it be the one that got away…
For more information please visit http://www.englishriviera.co.uk
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