Hastings Pirate Festival 2026

Did you know Hastings holds the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of pirates? A whopping 14,231 costumed buccaneers descended on Pelham Beach back in 2012 – a record that still stands today.

Every year, thousands of pirates return to transform Hastings Old Town into a swashbuckling spectacle, with locals all joining in on the fun too. Fancy dress is thoroughly encouraged and there is heaps on for families: town-wide treasure hunts, real parrots, pirate balls, and swashbuckling activities at local spots like the Hastings Aquarium.

The centrepiece is the Great Buccaneers Procession that takes place at 12 noon on Sunday – expect a horde of costumed pirates marching through the town centre, to thunderous drums and all. And arround that there is live music across multiple hubs and pubs, from folk, punk and rock to traditional maritime sea shanties.

It’s free and it’s every bit as silly as you’d expect. So, pull on your eye patch, feed polly a cracker and muster the crew – you really don’t want to miss one of the UK’s most unique festivals on 18th – 19th July.

For the full programme and all the details click here