ABOUT US
How It All Began
It all began back in 2009 when a small band of Exeter friends with a shared love of pirate lore decided to roam the city’s pubs in full swashbuckling spirit. Led in those early years by the unforgettable Capn Queeg, their playful ramble quickly proved to be more than mischief. It became a way to bring people together and raise vital funds for their local lifeboat station. By the time the fourth annual crawl arrived in 2013, Exeter Pirate Day had already become a beloved community tradition. Over the years the crew grew, the route expanded, and hundreds of doubloons were raised for Exmouth RNLI. Although Capn Queeg later stepped back from active duty, the legacy of those lively fundraising voyages continued to shape the event and inspire new pirates to join the cause.
A New Era of Leadership
As Exeter Pirate Day grew in popularity, the leadership of the crew evolved with it. In 2015, Capn Queeg stepped down and passed the captaincy mantle to Capn Kat Curvicious. Kat brought fresh energy, organisation, and a real sense of spectacle to the event. Under her guidance, the annual crawl transformed from a small group of friends raising funds for the lifeboats into a vibrant city tradition, with a lively crew of pirates sweeping through Exeter each September to support the RNLI stations at Exmouth and Teignmouth.
The Shape of the Day
Kat created a well loved ritual that became the heartbeat of Exeter Pirate Day. The pirates always began mid morning with a hearty breakfast at that years chosen venue before setting out on their quest through town. The route usually included around ten local pubs and cafes, each expecting the crew at specific times. Fundraising took place between venues rather than inside them because Exeter Pirates is not a registered charity. Instead, the group raises funds in aid of the RNLI. Every year the crew organised a cheque handover event, splitting the total between Exmouth and Teignmouth lifeboat stations. They were often greeted by RNLI volunteers and their mascot Stormy Stan, making the handovers a highlight of the year.
Kat also established the tradition of ending the day with a flourish. A live band, a raffle, games, prizes, and a final gathering brought pirates and supporters together in true celebratory style. These finishing festivities became a hallmark of Exeter Pirate Day and helped cement its reputation as one of the citys most joyful community events.
Milestones and Challenges
The year 2019 marked the tenth anniversary of Exeter Pirate Day, a milestone that celebrated a decade of shanties, laughter, and unwavering support for the lifeboats. In 2020, the pandemic forced the crew to pause their usual city wide voyage, but the spirit of the day lived on. Pirates took to the digital seas, performing and creating online content to keep the fundraising going. It was chaotic, heartfelt, and unmistakably Exeter Pirates, and much of it still lives on their YouTube page.
By 2026, both Capn Kat Curvicious and her first mate had stepped back due to personal commitments. Even so, the crew continued to breathe, adapt, and grow. Exeter Pirates survived every change, and each time they were pushed a step back, they found a way to take two steps forward. The tradition endured because its heart, community, fun, and support for the lifeboats, remained as strong as ever.
Moving Forward in 2026
Keeping the Spirit Alive
In recent years, Exeter Pirates continued to evolve and adapt, proving that the spirit of the crew was bigger than any single captain. With Kat and her first mate stepping back, the wider crew and committee kept the ship steady, steering the tradition forward with the same heart, humour, and determination that defined its earliest days. Alongside the main annual fundraising voyage, the pirates kept the community spirit alive through a series of mini side events. These included pirate karaoke nights, nautical themed days out, smaller charity walks, and pop up pirate gatherings across much loved local venues.
These events helped maintain momentum, strengthen friendships, and keep the RNLI fundraising mission at the centre of everything the crew did.
Exeter Pirates remains a community group raising funds in aid of Exmouth and Teignmouth RNLI lifeboat stations, and the crew continues to organise cheque handovers each year. The tradition has survived leadership changes, logistical challenges, and even a global pandemic. Every time the crew was pushed back, they found a way to move forward stronger. The pirates are still here, still breathing, and still working hard to grow Exeter Pirate Day into something the whole city can be proud of.
Join Us in 2026
As we chart our course into 2026, we invite new supporters, volunteers, and enthusiastic pirates to help keep this much loved Exeter tradition alive. Whether you want to don full pirate regalia or simply walk alongside the crew for a venue or two, your presence helps raise vital funds for Exmouth and Teignmouth RNLI lifeboat stations. You do not need experience, you do not need a costume, and you certainly do not need to know any shanties. All you need is good spirits and a willingness to be part of something joyful, local, and community driven.
If you have enjoyed our mini events, followed us online, or simply love the idea of supporting the lifeboats in a fun and welcoming way, now is the perfect time to get involved. Join us for Exeter Pirate Day 2026, come along to one of our side events, or reach out to the committee to see how you can help behind the scenes. Every supporter strengthens the crew, and every doubloon raised helps keep our lifeboat volunteers equipped to save lives at sea.
Raise a glass, raise your voice, or raise a few coins. However you join us, you will be part of a tradition that has weathered storms, celebrated milestones, and brought Exeter together for more than a decade!
