Ventnor Pirate Festival is returning this August for 4 days of live music, seafaring fun, and community spirit on the Isle of Wight.
Taking place from Wednesday 12th to Saturday 15th August 2026, the festival proudly opens in collaboration with Ventnor Carnival, with the main carnival on the 12th promising to start the festival off with a bang (as well as a whizz, whoosh, crackle and boom!)
Thursday 13th is dedicated to younger buccaneers, with a full kids’ day of piratical fun. The weekend builds to a headline performance from the popular Derek Sandy, taking to the stage at the Spyglass Inn on Saturday 15th at 15:00. Shanty singers and further acts are also confirmed, with more entertainers still to be announced.
Festival-goers can also look out for a special festival beer, Gilbert’s Gold, brewed by Island Brewery.
A Pirate Quiz Fundraiser takes place at Mill Bay on Wednesday 22nd July, and all Island-based pirates and performers are invited to join the Ventnor Illuminated Carnival Parade as part of the celebrations, with a chance to win the new Spirit of Carnival award for this year – Best Dressed Pirate!
For those who want to get involved before the main event, a community Pirate Day meet-up at the Spyglass Inn takes place over the late May Bank Holiday. Organisers are welcoming volunteers, performers, and anyone with ideas to come along and help shape the festival.
More acts and announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Great fun cannot wait.