Pirates, performers and plenty of families brought Amber Valley’s town centres to life this summer, as Amber Valley Borough Council’s Pirate Takeover Festival proved a hit across the borough.
The free events sailed into Ripley, Heanor, Alfreton and Belper during August, filling town centres with live entertainment, music, crafts and pirate-themed activities for all the family.
Nearly 5,000 people joined the fun across the four towns, giving families something different to enjoy during the school holidays.
(Pictured above: Families joining in with the Pirate Takeover fun in Heanor)
The festival was a partnership between Amber Valley Borough Council and Furthest from the Sea Music, Comedy & Arts, bringing a colourful programme of free entertainment and activities to each town.
Backing from the town councils helped make three of the takeovers even bigger, with funding from Ripley Town Council, Heanor and Loscoe Town Council and Belper Town Council helping to expand the events in their towns.
The events gave local businesses a boost too, with many reporting increased footfall and trade as more people visited the town centres.
In Alfreton, the Indoor Market embraced the takeover, with traders joining in with the pirate theme and adding to the atmosphere on the day.
(Pictured above: Alfreton Indoor Market joined in the fun, with traders embracing the pirate theme during the town’s Pirate Takeover.)
Councillor Chris Emmas-Williams, Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, said: "Seeing our town centres busy, full of families and with so much going on was exactly what we wanted these events to achieve.
"We wanted to give families something fun and free to enjoy during the school holidays, but also give people another reason to visit our town centres and see what they have to offer. It’s particularly encouraging to hear from local businesses that they felt the benefit too.
"The response has been brilliant. A huge thank you to everyone who came along and embraced the fun, and to Furthest from the Sea, the town councils, local businesses, performers and everyone who helped make the events happen."
Starting in Ripley, the pirates made their way to Heanor and Alfreton before dropping anchor in Belper for the final takeover over the August Bank Holiday.
(Pictured above: Families joining in with the Pirate Takeover fun in Belper.)
Matt McGuinness, Creative Director from Furthest from the Sea Music, Comedy & Arts, said: "The real measure of success was seeing so many families relax, get hands-on with the activities and enjoy being creative together.
"There was a real sense of people not just watching what was happening, but becoming part of it. Children and grown-ups were joining in, trying something new and enjoying live arts and entertainment right in the heart of their own town.
"That’s what these events are all about for us, making arts and creativity accessible, bringing people together and creating experiences that families can share."
The Pirate Takeover was first trialled in Amber Valley during 2025, with the response from families helping pave the way for this year’s expanded programme across all four towns.
Following a successful summer, Amber Valley Borough Council is now looking at plans to bring the festival back in 2027.
(Pictured above: Families joining in with the Pirate Takeover fun in Ripley.)
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
