Pirates of the Calder & Hebble
Ahoy there, me hearties! Pirates be invadin' the Calder & Hebble Canal at a special family fun day at South Pennine Boat Club!
The Club is staging a 'Pirate Rally & Open Day' where local people and visitors can enjoy an afternoon of family fun and entertainment.
The Rally takes place on Saturday May 4 from 11am until 5pm and will include events aimed at both children and adults.
There is a children's competition for the best dressed pirate and the opportunity to have a photo taken with Captain Jack himself in the shape of 'Jack Sparrow' look-alike Matty Parkinson.
Colonel Custard, a firm kiddies' favourite, a pirate ship bouncy castle, duck race, treasure hunt and a children's play tent will keep little pirate 'sprogs' entertained for the whole afternoon.
'Landlubbers' will have the chance to view the inside of a narrowboat which are still based on the designs of the working boats of the past. There's even a chance to get afloat as the Calder Navigation Society will be offering boat trips along the canal during the event.
There's live music and entertainment too! A programme of impromptu performances will include, Lime Scurvy, Yorkshire's favourite sea-shanty singers, renowned folk singers, Mic & Susie Darling and some surprise performers. Whilst a special all-male dance team, made up of Club 'scallywags' will perform a one-off sword-dance using Calder and Hebble spikes - the tool unique, to this area, used to operate local lock paddles.
"We are opening the gates to the public to let them enjoy and experience the local waterways," said Heather Bearpark, Rally Coordinator, "If the weather's kind we expect a large turnout and lots of little happy faces," she added.
Pirate 'grub' will be available from a sizzling barbecue, refreshment stalls and a tea room. A real-ale bar, supported by CAMRA, will provide a plentiful supply of 'grog'.
And all this for not one 'doubloon', the whole afternoon of old fashioned entertainment is FREE.
