24/10/2026
THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR: LET THE SHANNIGEONS BEGIN!
Disclaimer: Somewhat misleadingly, this event will contain a distinct lack of pickles.
On this, the 221st anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, we're doing things a little differently down in the hold of the good ship HMS Barque!
For those who need a little nautical history (or have already had too much rum to remember it), HMS Pickle was the first vessel to bring home the news of Britain's victory at Trafalgar, along with the rather unfortunate news of Nelson's death.
So, in honour of this fine little vessel, we're gathering the crew for an evening of traditional sailor shenanigans, questionable rules, rum-fuelled singing and enough nonsense to make even the saltiest old sea dog raise an eyebrow!
⚓ WHAT'S ON THE MANIFEST? ⚓
🍲 A hearty bowl of stew, followed by a proper suet pudding to fill those hungry sailor bellies.
🍺 Ale to keep the crew happy.
🥃 Rum… and probably more rum.
🔥 A roaring fire to warm your sea-soaked bones.
🎶 Shanties to rattle the rigging and get the whole crew singing.
📜 Unnecessarily complicated rules, ridiculous penalties and fines for offences you probably haven't even committed yet.
🥂 Nautical toasts that will become progressively less comprehensible as the evening wears on.
📅 GET IT IN YOUR SHIP'S LOG!
🕖 The shenanigans commence at 7pm
🍲 Food served from 7.30pm
💰 £10 gets you a pint AND your hearty stew and suet dessert!
💷BRING CASH! You'll need it for your fines, misdemeanours and whatever other ridiculous penalties the crew decides to impose. No excuses, no mutiny and certainly no claiming you left your purse back on shore!
👕 DRESS CODE: PROPER SAILOR STYLE! ⚓
We're talking classic nautical attire, so get those blue-and-white stripes ready!
⚓ The Traditional Sailor: White trousers, a blue-and-white horizontally striped T-shirt or jersey, and black shoes.
🎩 The Finishing Touch: A straw boater hat complete with an *HMS Pickle* cap tally.
🧣 The Neckerchief: A dark or black neckerchief tied neatly around the collar for that authentic lower-deck look.
⚓ Going All Out? Period-appropriate 1805 naval attire is most welcome, or smart dark trousers, black shoes and your finest sailor's uniform.
🌊 ALL ABOARD! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Whether you're a seasoned sea dog, a landlubber who's never set foot on a ship, or simply someone who fancies a good evening of food, drink and questionable singing, come and join us!
Fancy dress is encouraged, but don't worry if you haven't got your sailor stripes ready. Come as you are, bring your friends and prepare to join the crew. There's room in the hold for everyone! ⚓🍻
🍻THE RUM IS READY. THE STEW IS SIMMERING. THE SHANTIES ARE WAITING.
Bring your cash, bring your singing voice, dig out those blue-and-white stripes and prepare to serve your time in the hold.
There'll be sailors, songs, stew, suet pudding and fines for reasons that may or may not make sense after the third rum.
👍 THINK YOU'LL BE JOINING THE CREW? Give this post a THUMBS UP 👍 so we know how many sailors to expect aboard!
📍 The Barque, Lynmouth
⚓ All welcome. No sailing experience required. Questionable singing encouraged.
NOW GET THOSE STRIPES ON, SWAB THE DECK AND LET THE SHANNIGEONS BEGIN!
