Pirates fighting on Bognor Regis seafront
Today, our lovely town held a summer carnival based on a Pirate theme and we were all for a wonderful surprise when Jack Sparrow himself landed (or more like it, was hoisted) from his modern day Black Pearl – read speed boat – to the delight of all, big and small.
Spirit FM on stage
The event started at 11.45 am, courtesy of Spirit FM West Sussex, outside the Regis Centre and Alexandra Theatre, and we were kindly advised to look out at sea for the momentous event. We obediently followed and were rewarded with the arrival of the most famous (should that be infamous?) pirate in the history of film making.
Pirates waiting for their captain, Jack Sparrow
Where is the Captain?
The Captain arriving on Bognor Regis Beach in a modern age Black Pearl
A little help from the pirates
On dry land at last ready to lead his team of cut-throats
Jack Sparrow (or rather his official double) had the tall task of leading a mob of cut-throats and a very excited crowd of locals and visitors on the parade along the promenade to the pier. He proved to be a great fun-loving character with a marvellous people’s touch and he made sure he took time to pose and have a laugh with all those who called him and even those who didn’t. I must admit I could not resist the temptation (why should I, anyway?) and had something better than a ‘selfie’, as I went for a proper cuddle! I was later punished for my daring behaviour and was abducted by another and equally charming pirate. Glad to say I lived to tell the tale! I felt flattered when later on Jack approached me and said to me: “You’re crazy, you are!” Well, it takes one to know one! Love him!
Jack Sparrow leading the parade along the promenade
Posing for the crowd
The Samba Band
The crowd!
A mean pirate!
Some wonderful outfits from the locals
Jack Sparrow being a good sport posing especially for me!
Having a cuddle with The Captain
Being abducted for my insolence!
Some innocent bystanders
There were loads of events on the schedule, including the Nyodema Drummers (fighting poverty through music) and a dancing group from the local Laburnum School, as well as spontaneous pirate fights all over the seafront and a Zumba dance session which required audience participation and yet another fun event I was unable to resist and, of course, joined in.
The Nyodema Drummers
The Nyodema Drummers
Dancer with the Nyodema Drummers
Dance group from the Laburnum School
Dance group from the Laburnum School
Captain Sparrow mingling with the crowd
More young dancers
Having proper seafront fun
There was also a sea rescues demonstration show from the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution).
RNLI sea rescue show
RNLI sea rescue show
The carnival ended with a presentation of prizes to the best pirate outfits presented by Jack Sparrow himself at 4 pm. A fabulous and fitting way to finish a fun-filled day. And a good time was had by all! Can’t wait for next year!
Prize giving and closing of events
But the pirates still fought on!
Will these pirates ever have enough?
I am also very proud to say that the whole event was filmed by my son’s film and video company’s crew Storms Edge Productions: http://www.stormsedgeproductions.co.uk/
Storms Edge Production team member hard at work
My son with Storms Edge Production hard at work on the stage
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