Set up at the Kandos Community Hall, the whole area was converted into a place for pirates. 

At the front of the hall, vehicles were decorated with pirate paraphernalia and their owners dressed up too.

Inside the hall, food stalls, craft items and clothing stalls complemented the sword play and fascinating fencing demonstrations.

Centrepiece of the festival was the stage area at the rear of the hall where three top acts performed all afternoon.

The music was really first class with the Crawfish Stew Band playing all the old classics.

This was followed by the laid-back style of singer songwriter Pete Foerster on guitar. 

The music rounded off with a fabulous tribute to the late Jon English by Sydney band Wolves in Fashion who really nailed it.

Organisers of the event, Sue Honeysett and Mary Kavanagh were at a loss to explain why numbers were down.

Other events in the district may have clashed, but dark threatening clouds at midday also looked like they were going to dump more rain across the area.

In fact the sky lightened and the afternoon was perfect.

Notwithstanding the low numbers, those who attended had a very enjoyable day.

Pirate decorations around the grounds were really great and the kid’s rides were kept busy all afternoon.

Hoola hoop exponent Sienna Dillon dazzled the crowd with her incredible gymnastics. 

Later on she put on a very very daring fire act.

Folks really got into the spirit of the festival. Pat Bennett and Karen Norris from Capertee not only dressed their car up in the decoration competition, they dressed themselves up as well in fabulous pirate gear.

Sue and Mary thanked all their supporters and sponsors on the day.

They’ve now got their thinking caps on to pull the crowds in for next year’s festival.

 “We haven’t given up on this.

We’ve got some ideas in mind that we hope will attract people from outside the district for next year’s festival.”