Swindon Town Centre will be awash with all things Pirate this half-term when the town hosts Pirate Fest, a three day Pirate Festival.

The town centre’s retail partners – The Brunel, inSwindon BID Company, Regent Circus and The Parade have got together to celebrate the launch of the next Pirates of the Caribbean film ‘ Dead Men Tell No Tales’ (in cinemas at the end of May).

The Brunel Shopping Centre has free family entertainment and activities will take place from Friday 2 June to Sunday 4 June. From free Pirate Crafts in The Brunel Arcade, face painting in Brunel Plaza, balloon modelling, treasure hunts, competitions and pirate-themed entertainment, there will be something for everyone during the festival.

Pirate Fest will see the return of Johnny Depp lookalike Captain Jack Sparrow. Captain Jack is so good you have to wonder what Mr Depp himself would make of him. The Eagle-eyed will spot Captain Jack, who will pose for selfies, in the Brunel Plaza, between 11am and 3pm each day. Other Peter Pan and Pirate characters will roam the town centre throughout the festival.

One lucky nipper will have the chance to win a £100 Brunel Gift Card plus other pirate prizes. To enter, children need to search around the shopping centre to find the six hidden parrots and discover the letter they each hold. By putting all the letters together and solving the anagram children will be able to crack the pirate code word and enter the prize draw. (Collect entry forms from Captain Jack on the first floor of The Brunel Arcade, between Marks & Spencer and Boots.)

Facebook fans will be able to enter The Brunel’s desert island competition. Just tag the person that you would most want to share your desert island with and say what luxury you would like with you. The winner will be selected at random and will win a chest full of 50 £1 new coins.

Wharf Green will be transformed into Pirate Ship Zone, where you will be entertained by the greatest villain of all time, the famous Captain Hook! Also planned is local live music and dance, children’s entertainment, fancy dress competition and prizes. Captain Hook activities will include apple bobbing, Pirate limbo, funfair rides, Pirate crafts, free face painting and lots more!

Jane Stewart is Deputy Centre Manager of The Brunel and is excited about the festival. Jane said: “This is going to be a lot of fun! We’ve had Captain Jack here before and because he’s so authentic, he’s really popular. You certainly do a double take when you spot him!

“We want to encourage those brave enough to come into town dressed as Pirates and to join in the fun. You never know, you might just win a prize! For those not quite so brave our on-line desert island competition, may be of interest.”

Di Powell BID inSwindon BID Chief Executive said: “We hope you can join us for the town centre’s Pirates Fest! There will be so much going on for all the family to enjoy”.

“Visitors will be able to take advantage of the lunchtime offers and take part in the Golden Treasure Chest Competition and WIN a whole host of prizes. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to interact with Peter Pan, Smee, Tinkerbell & the Crocodile in their amazing show.

The weekend will be perfect for families with a wide range of activities taking place throughout the whole town centre, including the Library, Regent Circus, The Parade shopping area and Wharf Green. Activities are free and there will be something to suit all ages, such as selfie competitions, goodie bags, free face painting and vouchers. For a complete list of festival activities see www.swindontowncentre.co.uk

To find out exact days and times of specific activities taking place at The Brunel see www.thebrunel.co.uk or Facebook.com/TheBrunelSwindon.