A swashbuckling band of pirates is set to invade Clacton Pier and take over the attraction at half term for a brand new event.
Shiver Me Timbers, the motley crew of buccaneers will board the site for nine days as they run amok daily from May 23 to 31.
As part of Pirates Ahoy visitors will be treated to a free live show in the Jolly Roger Theatre multiple times a day and hunt for hidden treasure around the 6.5 acres.
Pier mascot Sidney the Seagull has even bought himself a special new pirate outfit to meet and greet customers.
General manager Harry Peek said the event has been in the planning for some time and he is delighted it will be staged over the entire Whitsun school holiday.
“It’s a case of ahoy there mateys and buckle up for some mutiny and mishaps aplenty,” he added.
“There will be a whole treasure chest of things going on and plenty of chances to grab some great photos of this exciting extravaganza on the high seas.
“Our own team are really looking forward to it and the pirate themed event is free to enjoy.”
Laughing Bulldog Events of Tamworth will be staging the show and choreographing the event for the pier.
“We are delighted to be working with the company again after the success of Jurassic Half Term, our Halloween Festival and Oktoberfest and we hope this new event could become an annual part of our ever-expanding programme,” said Mr Peek.
The 25 minute shows – The Pirates of Clacton Rock – will be scheduled across the day with the good ship Lubberly Jubberly, salty old seadog Sharkey and his crew of not so scary pirates.
The crew will spin outrageous tales of how they stole treasure from Blackbeard as well as recounting other truth-stretching yarns of their greatest adventures on the Seven Seas.
The hunt involves a search for long lost treasure, solving peculiar puzzles and following cryptic clues on a pirate map to claim your own gold.
The Pirates will be roaming around the site in between shows for visitors to grab a photo.
Big Day Out Bands will be available for 25 per cent off if booked online more than 24 hours in advance of a visit. For full details go to www.clactonpier.co.uk
