REDCAR is bracing itself for an invasion of pirates at the weekend as the seaside racecourse stages its annual fun-packed Caribbean Carnival meeting.
Grown-up pirates entering this year’s adult fancy dress competition on Saturday (August 11) stand to win a mini-cruise for two from Newcastle to Amsterdam with DFDS.
And there’s a giant sweetie hamper up for grabs for the smaller Long John Silvers and Jack Sparrows in the children’s fancy dress competition.
The fancy dress contests will be staged in the winner’s enclosure and every entrant in the children’s section will receive a lollipop. The runner-up in the adults’ contest will win a VIP pass to the races for four, and the third-placed pirate will receive VIP passes for two.
With such treasures on offer, there’s bound to be no shortage skulls and crossbones, eye-patches, head-scarves, peg-legs and hooks on display.
Feel-good Caribbean music will be provided by the North Tyneside Steel Band and a special Redcar Rum Punch is being brewed for the occasion as the Jolly Roger is hoisted above the course.
The day will also feature bouncy castles, surf machine, coconut shy and the chance to learn how to chant like a pirate in the Course Enclosure.
As well as all the family fun, there are scheduled to be seven races, with the first at 1.10pm and the last at 4.35pm, although the schedule is subject to change up to Friday. Gates open at 11am.
Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair said: “Caribbean Carnival Day is one of our premier meetings and it’s always great family fun, with lots of race-goers entering into the spirit. We can’t wait to see the costumes on show this year.”