Portsmouth Events Calendar

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This guide lists events at a glance, showing what’s on each month. See the highlights of What’s On for Portsmouth, featuring the best of things to do in Portsmouth – Live Music and Gigs, Family Events, Art & Culture, Food & Drink and much more. Portsmouth fundraisers and charity events.


Important This Event Calendar is not maintained on a daily basis and some events may have changed dates or are no longer happening. Please double-check the event websites for the most up-to-date information.

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Pickle Night

6th November @ 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

£10 – £700

Anchors aweigh! Step aboard HMS Warrior for an unforgettable Pickle Night and dive into the rich tapestry of naval history and the infamous Battle of Trafalgar. Celebrate this iconic maritime event with a night filled with tradition, camaraderie and nautical excitement.

Enjoy live music, traditional sea shanties, and raucous storytelling as you dine like the crew on authentic mess tables. Join Martin Jakeman of Martin’s Heritage World as your Master of Arms as he leads the evening’s frivolities but be warned – don’t get caught breaking the rules of etiquette unless you want to pay the fine!

What is a Pickle Night?

Pickle Night honours the arrival of HMS Pickle, delivering news of the victory at Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson. This festive occasion, observed around 4th November, celebrates the fastest ship at Trafalgar.

Event Highlights

  • Enjoy a traditional two-course meal featuring hearty stews and stodgy puddings served with a choice of IPA or wine.
  • Play the part of your assigned crew profile whilst engaging in games, shanty singalongs and captivating stories.
  • Raise a glass in a traditional naval toast to honour the brave sailors of the Battle of Trafalgar.
  • Don’t forget to take home your special keepsake glass to remember the night.

Gun Crews and Roles:

Experience the life of a sailor as attendees are organised into Gun Crews per table, each led by a Gun Captain.

Crew members will be assigned roles for the night, including:

  • Beer Bosun: In charge of drinks.
  • Mess Cook: Responsible for collecting food for the crew.
  • Powder Monkey: Assists the Mess Cook and conveys messages to the White Rats.
  • White Rat: Spy on other tables and spot breaches of conduct that can be reported to the Master of Arms for fines.

All proceedings will be lead by the Master of Arms, Martin Jakeman. He will set the evening’s etiquette, communicated right from the start, so you can relax knowing you’ll be in safe hands. However, don’t get too comfortable as breaches in etiquette, such as talking during dispatches or leaving the table without permission, are reported by the White Rats and fined.

Dress Code:

  • White trousers
  • Blue and white striped top
  • Straw boater hat with (optional) HMS Pickle cap tally
  • Avoid pirate costumes – this is his Majesty’s Navy after all!

Ticket Information:

Individual Tickets: £75 per person

Table of 10: £700 for group

Secure your spot for a night of historical celebration and nautical entertainment.

Details

Date:
6th November
Time:
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Cost:
£10 – £700
Event Category:
Website:
https://www.nmrn.org.uk/events/pickle-night

Venue

HMS Warrior 1860
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth, PO1 3QX GB
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