A Night of Pirates and Puppets
- 8th May 2026
- Author: Elliott Langley - Marketing Administrator
Ahoy there mateys, me hearties, me lovelies; allow me to welcome ye to the very latest Our Space. Aye, that’s right, this week we be looking at our upcoming Pirate Party festivities.
On 22 May, this great and revered harbour will be hosting the most fantastical, the most frivolous, the most legendary of parleys. Me timbers could not be any more shivered at the prospect of a night of mirth, shenanigans and yo-ho-ho. There be sea shanties, live performances from puppet folk, a hunt for the finest booty in the caribbean.
So read on as ye Boatswain is joined by his mateys from The Puppet Folk Experience; plus, our Public Programme scallywags will be giving us a sneak peek of what activities ye can expect on the night, and we will be hearing from the Captain where this savvy idea first came from.
Where did the idea for Pirate Party come from?
Malika (Head of Marketing): We have worked with an amazing band in the past for our Galactic Gathering events, Blues Harvest. On their last event at the Centre they brought a very special friend with them, a certain green frog, who sang a great song. After the gig, the band suggested we could look at hosting something special, with that certain green frog and his furry friends. Upon realising that The Muppets Treasure Island was turning 30 this year it was like the planets aligned and the event was born.
It's time to meet The Puppet Folk Experience.
For anyone witnessing your act for the first time, how would you describe what you do ?
The Puppet Folk Experience: We’re a wholesome acoustic tribute to the Muppets and the creativity of Jim Henson. Our live show combines music and puppetry to celebrate those worlds in a way that feels authentic, nostalgic, and full of heart.
How did the idea of mixing live music with puppets come about?
The Puppet Folk Experience: The act actually started almost by accident. We had the idea of turning up to a local open mic night armed with a banjo and a frog, just to surprise the regulars at our local pub. The reaction was so overwhelmingly positive that people immediately started asking when we were playing again. We kept going, and before long we’d built a huge following online which helped the audience grow very quickly. We never really sat down and planned to mix live music with puppets, it was just something we tried for fun that really resonated with people.
What kind of fun can attendees expect when your puppets are let loose at Pirate Party?
The Puppet Folk Experience: Expect a set celebrating the music of Muppet Treasure Island, alongside favourites from The Muppet Show, the Muppet movies, and a few surprises along the way.
How are your puppets getting into the pirate spirit, and should audiences expect to get roped into the fun?
The Puppet Folk Experience: Full pirate costumes, terrible sea shanties, and a certain frog attempting to command the high seas. We love getting the audience involved, so people should definitely expect singalong moments and crowd interaction throughout the show.
What would your puppets say to anyone who is on the fence about coming to Pirate Party?
The Puppet Folk Experience: “If ye love the Muppets, climb aboard, enjoy the music… and come meet the frog.”
Can guests have a photo with your puppets on the night?
The Puppet Folk Experience: Absolutely. There’ll be opportunities for puppet selfies after the performance.
Finally, if you were a pirate, what would your name be?
The Puppet Folk Experience: Banjo “Five Strings” Joe, Foamy “Feltmaker” Flynn… and of course, Scurvy Kermie.
Pirate Crafts and Treasure Hunts Around our Galleries
Avast ye, it is not just music and merriment at our Pirate Party. Young buccaneers and seasoned sea dogs alike can dive into a trove of hands‑on activities scattered around our galleries. There be plenty to keep adventurous spirits busy whilst you explore the seas.
Rane (Space Communications Officer): There will be a fine selection of activities to satisfy your crafty endeavours, from hunting down hidden treasure and creating classic pirate gear, to warming up them pipes for a hearty shanty or two. There’ll be a stash of pieces of eight waiting to be commandeered, so keep your aye‑eyes peeled
Secure Your Spot on the Open Seas
Tickets are selling fast for Pirate Party, so make sure to book yours before they are all gone. Our early session is perfect for families and budding sailors, whilst our late session is geared towards adults and older landlubbers looking for a great night out.
