PIRATE SHIPS and prudent arts programming drew the crowds to Cork over the weekend as part of the ongoing Cork Midsummer Festival and the presence of HMS Bountyin the city.
In a nod to the straitened times, the Midsummer Festival organisers ensured plenty of free and lesser priced events as well as a broad range of artistic disciplines – from African circuses to local singers – appealing to a wide demographic.
A big hit was the Penguin Cafe Orchestra, who received two standing ovations in Cork Opera House on Saturday night. Musician Arthur Jeffes, whose late father Simon formed the influential outfit in the 1970s, was clearly struck by the reaction. “You’ve been a wonderful audience, thank you,” he said, before beginning a melodic encore. “You haven’t been so bad yourself,” a voice from the audience shot back.
Outside afterwards, Galway theatre troupe Macnas staged a theatrical intervention on the streets, although they had to battle with Saturday night revellers for attention at times.
Kath Gorman, interim festival director, said: “We’ve been conscious of putting on a decent amount of free work and we’ve been delighted with the response. Even for the ticketed events, you can get a ticket for as low as €3, while we have some big names such as Laurie Anderson still to come this week.”
Elsewhere in the city, queues formed to experience life aboard the famous HMS Bounty, docked in Albert Quay. The replica ship, built for the 1962 film Mutiny on the Bountyand also used in the Pirates of the Caribbean IIfilm, attracted 5,000 visitors over the weekend.
Capt Robin Walbridge put the turnout down to an ongoing interest in piracy and the lasting appeal of the Mutiny on the Bountystory. "Everybody, at one time in their life, has wanted to run away and be a pirate. I think that's what the real attraction is."
Visitors were able to go on board and take a guided tour. Below deck, one four-year-old was deep in conversation with a crew member. “Do you really live here with the pirates?” he asked.
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