THERE have been some surprised faces in Falmouth this week, as two swashbuckling groups of pirates took over Event Square and Pendennis Castle.

While there was apparently no ‘booty’ or treasure to be found, the costumed pirates were happy to oblige the ‘scallywags’ of Falmouth with some sword-fighting and selfies.

The pirates then proceeded to head to Falmouth town centre to enjoy a traditional Cornish pasty, ice cream from ‘Delicious Wishes’ and views of Falmouth Custom House Quay.

Falmouth Packet: English Heritage and National Maritime Musuem Cornwall pirates clash in Event SquareEnglish Heritage and National Maritime Musuem Cornwall pirates clash in Event Square (Image: Emily Whitfield Wicks / English Heritage)

The pirates were in town to promote the two biggest attractions in Falmouth – Pendennis Castle and National Maritime Museum, Cornwall. Both attractions are holding pirate events across the summer holidays in tribute to the town’s rich nautical heritage.

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Pendennis has already kicked off its ‘Pirates!’ event this week. The event will see reenactors portraying some of Britain’s most famous pirates fight it out at close quarters. There will be storytelling, music and hands-on activities for all the family to enjoy as well as the castle grounds to explore. A few myths or two about pirates will be dispelled along the way for budding historians.

 National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s Pirates: Explore Beneath the Surface exhibition was an instant success when it launched in March this year and will be running until December 2024.

Falmouth Packet: High tea on the high seas. Pirates sampling Pendennis Castle's cream teaHigh tea on the high seas. Pirates sampling Pendennis Castle's cream tea (Image: Emily Whitfield Wicks & English Heritage)

The pirates in Event Square were taking a break from their performances in A Pirate’s Life For Me!, a new interactive theatre show from Illyria which runs four times a day over the summer holidays.

For more information on ‘Pirates!’ and Pendennis Castle, please visit https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

For more information on the National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s Pirates exhibition, please visit nmmc.co.uk.