Pickle Night on HMS Warrior
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On 6 November 2024, we hosted our much-anticipated Pickle Night aboard the decks of HMS Warrior, transforming this iconic ship into a vibrant celebration of naval history, camaraderie, and the spirit of Trafalgar. It was an unforgettable evening that paid homage to HMS Pickle's historic journey, when it raced to bring news of Trafalgar’s victory—and the somber loss of Admiral Nelson—back to Britain.
BBC South joined us onboard and you can read more about the evening and its historical roots in their article here, which provides a glimpse into how we brought Pickle Night to life on HMS Warrior.
Setting the Scene for an evening of Nautical Fun
The night’s activities were led by Martin Jakeman of Martin’s Heritage World, who took on the spirited role of Master at Arms. With humor and charm, Martin kept the guests on their toes, enforcing naval etiquette with a playful twist by issuing “fines” for breaches of shipboard decorum. From his hearty welcome to the traditional toasts and sea shanties, he brought authenticity and energy that transported us all back in time.
One guest captured the atmosphere perfectly:
The entertainment was excellent.
Crew Roles, Sea Shanties, and Hearty Food
The evening was filled with tradition and camaraderie, as guests dined on a two-course sailor’s feast at mess tables, dressed in white trousers, blue-and-white striped tops, and straw boater hats—some even sporting HMS Pickle cap tallies to complete the look.
Our guests were divided into Gun Crews, with each attendee taking on a traditional role within their crew. This added an extra layer of lively competitiveness as teams embraced their roles, sparking friendly rivalries and fueling the evening's nautical fun. One guest said the event was
A fantastic night—really had fun!
Looking Ahead to Next Year
We’re already excited for next year’s Pickle Night! Don’t miss out—sign up for our mailing list to be the first to hear when tickets go on sale.