End of an era as Conwy Pirate Festival is cancelled

The annual event - which attracted thousands, many in fancy dress (there was eyepatches galore!) - regularly featured a treasure hunt, barrel and keg race, music entertainment, and the popular pirate attack.

The festival was cancelled during the Covid-19 pandemic, but returned with great success, with this year's event hailed the "most successful ever".

The Conwy Chamber of Trade, which organises the event, said the decision was caused by the "irretrievable" break-up of the organising committee, with allegations of bullying and threats being made also mentioned.

A spokesperson for the festival said via social media: "It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the end of The Original Conwy Pirate Festival.

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"Several things out of our control have taken place over the last 24 hours that has led to the irretrievable break-up of the organising committee, and therefore the cancellation of The Original Conwy Pirate Festival has become an unfortunate necessity.

"We can say that the pointing of fingers, calling of names, and the issuing of threats will never be tolerated.

"We, the Conwy Chamber of Trade, do not and will not support bully tactics by anyone involved or associated with one of our events.

"Even if standing against such behaviour leads to us having to cancel that event.

"Despite this being the end of the Original Conwy Pirate Festival it is not the end of the Conwy Chamber of Trade nor is it the end of events in Conwy. It is just the end of this particular event.

"We understand that this will be upsetting news for many, for which we are eternally sorry.

"We thank you for your continued support of the festival over the years and hope you will be able to join us at future events.

"Sometimes things just have to die in order for something new and even more exciting to be born."