‘Fish ‘n’ ships’ with a side order of pirates

Ahoy there!  For a spot of family fun this spring, grab a pirate hat and head to one of the UK’s top seaside resorts – The Pirate Capital of the World, Brixham.

Thanks to some seafarin' shenanigans and swashbuckling skulduggery, The English Riviera in Devon aims to hang on to its hard-won world record for having the most pirates gathered in one place at any one time.

Not surprisingly for a destination proud of its heritage as the perfect family holiday playground, South Devon’s Beautiful Bay offers family fun in spades… from endless beaches and more than 18 family fun attractions to family-friendly places to stay.

And getting the 2011 season off to a flying start, the traditional fishing town of Brixham is once again in record-breaking mood as it bids to retain its Guinness World Record title for the most pirates in one place.

But they need the help of visitors.

For the last two years the Brixham Buccaneers have launched record-breaking bids at the Brixham Pirate and Shanty Festival.  They grabbed the world record in 2009, only for it to be snatched away by American pirates - but they won it back last year with 1,744 pirates.

Now Brixham is hoping for an even bigger turnout during 2011’s Pirate Festival (Saturday 30th April to Sunday 1st May) when they aim for a Mile of Pirates.

Said Brixham Buccaneers spokesman Captain Blood 'n' Guts: "We had brilliant support from everyone last year for the big count, so we're relying on them to come along again this year for the Mile of Pirates.  It was a fun day for everyone and attracted pirate fans from as far afield as Kent, Scotland and Germany."

If you’re wondering what classifies as a pirate you must wear a pirate costume including suitable trousers, shirt, hat, eye-patch and a hook or sword.

Offering a real pirate atmosphere in the picturesque Devon fishing port, the Festival also offers plenty more pirate-themed activity, including the aptly named “Arr Factor” – a celebration of sea shanty and folk music at various venues around the town.

But for those who want even more ‘shiver me timbers’ smiles then Brixham, which has a rich sea-faring heritage, hosts family fun Pirate Days throughout the year.

For more details about the record-breaking bid, see - brixhampiratefestival.co.uk

For details on other attractions and accommodation visit - englishriviera.co.uk