Shiver me timbers

Mason and Leyton Maclean from Rochdale were the joint winners of the Pirate Fancy Dress Competition

4 More Image(s) In Gallery

Families were treated to a day of spooky adventure on the high seas at Touchstones Rochdale for the Pirates of the Halloween themed family fun day. The event attracted over 500 visitors.

All ages, young and old, were assisted by staff from Touchstones Rochdale as well as artists, volunteers and partner organisations including The Family Learning Service and the RSPB.

Children enjoyed a series of  sticking and making activities including: pirate swords, wooden pirate peg dolls, 3D pirate parrots, mask making and finger puppets.

Inspired by the sea exhibition in Gallery Two, local artist Cat Jessop created a super-sized ‘haunted Treasure Island mural’ and families also helped artist Alison Cooper to create a giant parrot drawing, which has been captured as a time lapse film to celebrate national Big Draw month.

Helen Charnley, who came with her family, said: “I’ve never been to Touchstones before and was really impressed.”

Suganya Krishnan said: “It really was a super family fun day and great for the kids.”

Highlights from the day included a fancy dress pirate competition, which was won by two swashbuckling brothers Mason and Leyton Maclean from Rochdale.

Speaking about the day, the Head of Arts and Heritage, Julian Jefferson said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of the event which provided families with the opportunity to participate in fantastic arts and crafts activities in a fun museum and gallery environment."