Pirate capers kick off with steel band competition

| 11/11/2010

(CNS): The swashbuckling annual celebrations for Cayman’s Pirates week festival will get underway this evening with a number of pre-Pirates week events including the traditional Happy Hour at Breezes by the Bay, before the steel band competition where several school bands will be offering a true taste of the Caribbean in Cardinal Avenue as they vie for a $5000 prize. The full celebrations begin on Friday with the official opening fireworks display and the traditional street dance and food festival in down town George Town. Many of the events during Pirates’ Week are also an opportunity to raise funds for important causes not least the annual turtle release.

 Organisers are still seeking sponsors for this event for much needed research funding. There are estimated to be only 40 to 50 breeding adult sea turtles left laying on local beaches. Since 1979, the Cayman Turtle Farm Headstarting programme has been releasing turtles that are 1 to 2 years old into Caribbean waters surrounding Cayman as a part of the Farm’s ongoing conservation efforts. This year, four Headstarted yearling turtles are being offered for sponsorship which entitles the donor to release their own turtle.

“Sponsorship is an opportunity to participate in the global conservation effort of this endangered species by contributing towards the release of potential future breeding sea turtles,” said Geddes Hislop the farm’s curator. “Turtles are an integral part of our history and culture and we look forward, with the help of our sponsors, to playing a significant role in replenishing the population.”

Meanwhile , police are issuing notices regarding road closures for the festival starting with Harbour Drive, Fort Street / North Church Street, Sheddon Road / Elgin Avenue and Boilers Road / South Church Street tonight Thursday 11 November from 6pm for the steel pan competition.

The full pirate’s week schedule is available at www.piratesweekfestival.com as well as other information about the various events.

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