CAPTAIN Hook was in town yesterday to tell everyone about the Pirates Festival he’s hosting over half-term.

He’ll be docking his ship in Wharf Green for a three-day pirate invasion from Friday, June 2, to Sunday, June 4.

A Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike will be gallivanting around the Brunel between 11am and 3pm each day, there’ll be face painting to turn little nippers into proper pirates, and treasure hunts to find hidden booty,

Pirate arts and crafts, funfair rides, giveaways, live music, and a fancy dress competition will also be on offer around Regent Circus, the Brunel, the Parade, and Central Library

Best of all, the day won’t cost an arm and a peg leg - everything is free.

Anthony Purcell from inSwindon was excited about the big event.

He said: “The whole town centre will be transformed and Captain Hook will be causing mischief.

“Today he’s been visiting businesses to get them involved, some will have special offers over the weekend.”

Peter Pan, Smee, Tinkerbell, and the Crocodile will also be putting on a show for families.

Bunting and decorations will be spread all over the town centre while Captain Hook entertains

The Pirates Festival is a collaborative effort between inSwindon and retail partners the Brunel, the Parade, and Regent Circus which is being held to celebrate the release of the new Pirates of the Caribbean film.

Anthony added: “We have all come together to make this happen, we’ve been planning it in regular meetings since February.

“Last year we did an Alice in Wonderland theme and this year, everyone loved the idea of doing something pirate-themed.

“It’s great, it’s all about bringing together the community and highlighting what the town centre has to offer for businesses.”

The Brunel is also giving a treasure chest of £50 coins to the randomly-selected winner of their desert island competition. Anyone who tags the person they’d most want to share their desert island with and what luxury they’d bring with them is in with a chance of winning.

To find out exact days and times of all the activities at the Brunel, visit www.thebrunel.co.uk