Huntingdonshire District Council is delighted to share details of its successful Pirates in the Park event which took place in St Neots on Sunday 19th September, as part of the Welcome Back Fund.
Hundreds of local residents and town visitors descended on Regatta Meadow on the edge of the town centre for this unique event – a day of free, family-friendly activities in conjunction with 'International Talk Like a Pirate Day'.
Throughout the day visitors were able to enjoy music, entertainment and a range of delicious foods on offer; with huge smiles from children when offered a free balloon sword by our specially organised pirate-themed entertainers. A large number of attendees on the day were also in pirate attire; putting themselves forward for our related 'Best Dressed Pirate' competition.
20 local traders joined the event to promote and sell their goods and services; with participation offered at no charge. A significant number of vendors sold out of their goods before the end of the event, and have asked to be considered for future events of this type due to the commercial success and enjoyable atmosphere.
Executive Leader of the Council, Councillor Ryan Fuller, said: "We know that events such as Pirates in the Park are a huge draw for both residents and visitors alike - thank you to all those who attended and supported the event. It's important to us that we continue to support an events programme that showcases the best of Huntingdonshire."
The Pirates in the Park event was delivered directly by the District Council; in a collaboration between the Economic Development and Open Spaces teams. Promotions in the run-up to the day were supported by 'What Will You Find In Huntingdonshire'; a District Council-led visitor economy campaign designed to encourage residents and visitors to discover new places, spaces and activities across the district, with reassurance they can do so safely.
Work is now focussed on developing a key programme of activities for Halloween and Christmas, which will be showcased as part of the 'What Will You Find In Huntingdonshire' campaign. Activity is funded by the UK Government Welcome Back Fund, with the visitor economy campaign raising awareness of the district across HDC's digital channels and in a new partnership with Star Radio.
