Reviews

In its five years of entertaining children at birthday parties, south Bristol-based Pirate Attack has been overwhelmed by the glowing testimonials given by mums and dads in and around the Avon area. Captain Rocky Cliff and his First Mate would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the parents and children who have helped make the events such a success

Following numerous requests, Pirate Attack began delivering workshops, entertainment, talks and experiences for primary schools and professional associations such as WI groups and Probus clubs. For comments about these please scroll further down the page.

Once restrictions began to be removed in late 2021 we saw a huge upsurge in requests from schools, both public and private.  We have therefore decided to focus solely on delivering pirate themed workshops for schools.

Click here for feedback and content from schools in social media and newsletters about our pirate workshops.

However, here is also some of the feedback Pirate Attack has received for all its events, including birthday parties, school workshops and older groups:

Birthday Parties

We had a pirate attack party for our Son’s 5th birthday Sunday just gone and what can we say other than- it was simply amazing! Just perfect!!! The children were kept entertained from start to finish. Each and every child had smiles on their faces and seemed to enjoy every minute of it. We have had many comments from parents saying how good a party it was and also that we have set the bar high. We would thoroughly recommend Captain Rocky Cliff and his first mate to come and attend your party. Our son could not be more thrilled about his party and his friends were still talking about it at school the following day. The best party we have had yet! Superb……thank you Captain Rocky Cliff and his first mate.
Emma Green, Patchway

From the minute Pirate Attack arrived to set up for the party I knew we had made the right decision in booking them for our son’s 5th Birthday Party.

They are exceptionally professional and kept the children entertained continuously for 2 hours, with numerous activities.  The party was so much fun, with such well thought out games, and continuous interaction which gave all the parents chance to just sit and enjoy a quiet cuppa!

I honestly couldn’t recommend them more highly for anyone wanting the best pirate party possible!  One child commented the party was “awesome” and numerous parents have thanked me for such an amazing party, as well as
asking me where I found them as they have never been to a party like it!
Liza Narracott, Hartpury

Thanks you so much for Saturday. As you were able to tell, all the kids had a wonderful time. Several parents commented to me about the party and the common word for all was “brilliant”. I asked William what his favourite part of the party was and he said he couldn’t choose because the whole party was so great. I will be recommending you to friends. Guy Jennings, Bath

I cannot thank you both enough for today. You superseded my expectations by a marathon! Your ability to keep twenty four and five year olds engaged and entertained for two hours was astounding – and the fact you could remember every child’s name unreal! They literally did not stop with one fantastic game and activity after another. A totally unique experience and so many of the mums commented that they had seen nothing like it on the children party ‘circuit’! I will be spreading the word of your amazing parties without a doubt and most certainly booking you again…. I will be in touch next year! Becky Dey, Stoke Bishop Village Hall

I wanted to say a huge thanks for the wonderful party you threw for emily and all her pals yesterday. Everyone has been raving about it, it was entertaining for the kids and adults alike! The work and effort you put in was tremendous, just hope you are still running pirate attack when Jacob turns 5!!
Ruth Tier, Portishead

I just have to say another great big THANK YOU for the wonderful pirate party yesterday! It truly was fabulous, and such a hit with the children and the parents 

A few parents commented on how great it was as they were leaving, and others sent messages as the afternoon went on… One even asked if you did other themes!

I am so very glad I found your website, and will happily highly recommend you to others.

Gabrielle Hill, Shire Way Community Centre, Yate

Many thanks for the excellent entertainment you provided for Harry’s 5th birthday yesterday. It was great and the children were so engaged with all the activities, you were both brilliant and we couldn’t have asked for more. So far the sponge throwing was the most remembered activity and I’ve had one report from a boy of  ’best party ever’.
Amanda Lincoln, Shipham Village Hall

Just wanted to let you know that the party you did for Milo on Saturday was fantastic! I can’t believe how stress free and fun it was, I had lots of parents asking for your contact details… Milo has also asked if he can have the exact same party next year!
It really was very well organised and how you remembered all the children’s names I will never know! Thank you so much, one very happy 5 year old.
Georgie Cantle, Portishead

We hired Pirate Attack for my son’s 5th birthday party – it was great! Captain Cliff and his wife Christine were fantastic with the children, really convincing pirate outfits and ran the party with confidence and ease.  

They played games, had a crafts table and made the birthday boy feel really special, all I had to do was organise the food so made for a really enjoyable party for me to host.  

Would highly recommend for a bit of swashbuckling fun!
Allison, Saltford

“We had high expectations for Charlie’s birthday party but I have no hesitation in saying that with your help they were vastly exceeded. From the moment you walked through the door the care in planning and the attention to detail were superb, and we were able to relax safe in the knowledge that we were in expert hands. As the afternoon progressed the children were enthralled and we had none of the tears and tantrums we were expecting from a room full of five and six year olds.

Talking to the children in the days afterwards they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and the comments feeding back from the parents showed that they were impressed with the afternoon.

And to cap it all, the bill at the end of the day was excellent value for money. If anyone out there is looking for an entertainment package for a child’s birthday party, sail on over to The Pirate Captain and His Mate. He’ll even leave you a few pieces of eight in your pocket.”
Andy, Jane & Charlie Hay, Stanton Drew Village Hall

We all thoroughly enjoyed the party, Matthew especially – he is still talking about how he defeated  the Captain in a sword fight!   I was impressed by how many different activities you offered and how you engaged the children.   It was a very original party – he’s not been to anything similar.   I’ve had lots of positive feedback too, from parents and children.   We would definitely recommend a pirate attack party.
Alison, Mike, Matthew and Lauren Parsons, Backwell Parish Hall

Hi Guys, just want to say THANK YOU AGAIN for making Callum’s birthday so special. You were terrific!
Joy Wood and family xx, Stoke Gifford Poplar Rooms

We just wanted to say a huge thankyou for coming to rescue our party at the last minute, and making it a success.  I would like to praise you for a fantastic, professional and entertaining party.  The children were entertained, happy and excited throughout, and the activities were well timed and very involving.  Max and his friends had a great party and we are so thankful for your wonderful pirating skills and kiddie management!  I would whole heartedly recommend you to anyone – you guys were worth every penny, and hope to use your brilliant services again soon.
Helen Morgan, Portishead

Thank you so much for giving Emily a wonderful 7th Birthday party! We were absolutely thrilled with how professional you were and delighted that all the children enjoyed themselves so much. The traditional games and outright swashbuckling fun you offer can’t be matched by any other children’s entertainers. It was magical to see how the children were captivated by Rocky Cliff’s every move and super that they were still talking about the party in school today. I wholeheartedly recommend Pirate Attack and wish you both every success. Kate Inch, Stoke Bishop

Thank you once again for a fantastic party, Isaac enjoyed every second. I think the effort and attention you gave to every activity was obvious in the childrens’ delight. I was particularly impressed by how you managed a mixed age group and how many of their names you memorised. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Pirate Attack.
Kelly Pawsey, Pucklechurch

Truly the best party ever everything was taken care of, I had a couple of shy children to start with pirate attack made sure they were comfortable and got them included to the party. The children sat and listened really well all children were included and supported each other. Samuel loved being the main ‘pirate’ and winning the sword fight!! Worth every penny would like to do it all over again, I was able to sit back and relax and was happy that all the children were enjoying themselves, all the parents commented how good the party was and how well behaved the children were. Have recommended pirate attack to lots of my friends already and will continue to do so. A pirate experience not to be missed. Gemma Searle, Longwell Green

Amazing party. Thank you so much. You both worked so hard to make it a really special day. It was fab.
Thank you.  Deb, Steve, Noah and Jude xx, North Common

Just wanted to say thank you for a absolutely fantastic party on Sunday for Toby. He loved it so much and all the parents that stayed said that they had never been to such a good one! We were all in awe of you both, as you kept them engrossed and entertained with every activity along the way. I know my youngest would definitely love a pirate party when he’s older so we will be booking that with you in a few years. Thank you both again for a wonderful party, you are truly gifted at what you do
Carla Dakin, Weston-super-Mare

Thank you Cap’n Rocky Cliff and Cut-throat Christine for an absolutely fabulous party this afternoon.  Jacob and his friends had the best time. Great fun, great activities and great value – highly recommended for all budding Blackbeards and Annie Bonnies! Sophie Jones, Brislington

You managed it all fantastically! Can’t remember a more relaxing children’s party. And the kids loved it! I’ve had so many parents say how much fun their children had. I was so impressed the way you adapted it to what worked with that particular group and the way you involved young Samuel as well was very kind and very clever. Isla my 7 year kid is now saying she wants a pirate party which we are delighted about because previously she was set on a girlie sleep over. Thanks so much. 10/10!!!
Anna Raphael, St. Andrews

Thank you so much for the fab joint birthday party you hosted for Alex and Benny today. At bedtime Alex said he wished he could start the day over and have his party again as it was so fun. You are very special people to do what you do – thank you again. Debbie Bartlett, Portishead

We are 1 week on from Isaac’s party and he is still buzzing from it! You made his party so special and I have a feeling he will remember it for a long time to come. I have had many parents who were at his party stop me this week to tell me how much they and their children enjoyed themselves. The main points were how you managed to keep 18 4-7 year olds so entertained for 2 whole hours! They were all so focused and engaged in the activities that they were doing. You enabled them to be so encouraging of each other during the individual challenges, like walk the plank and in particular, Isaac’s sword fight with Captain Rocky Cliff!! It was truly the best way to celebrate our little boy’s 5th birthday and you have made Isaac and his mum and dad very, very happy! I would recommend Pirate Attack to anyone who will listen! Thank you both for your hard work and enthusiasm. Nicky, Pete and Isaac Lewis, Weston-Super-Mare

If you haven’t booked Pirate Attack for your child’s birthday..why not?? They are the very  best in children’s entertainment. Great value for money and great with my son who has Aspergers and Sensory issues. I would hire again in a heartbeat! Deborah Cogan, Brislington

I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for the brilliant party last weekend. James loved it and has talked non stop about defeating the pirate – he was so pleased that he won!! Also, chasing Cut-throat around as she stole the treasure, and of course throwing sponges at daddy. It was extremely memorable for us all, and I thank you for your efforts. Emma, Trowbridge

Pirate Attack was a fantastic success at Zion, it was lovely to see the space being used in a different way and to see a mixture of ages all enjoying themselves.
Jess Wright, Zion Community Art Space, Bristol

Pirate Attack proved a huge success at the Long Ashton Community Centre.  Children enjoyed making spyglasses, walking the plank, bouncing on a very special pirate bouncy castle and lots of other games.  We would definitely book Pirate Attack again for another holiday week activity.  The staff remained in character for the whole session and were extremely good with the children.
Sarah Leong, Long Ashton Community Centre

Our little boy has just  had the most fantastic Pirate party courtesy of Captain Rocky Cliff and Cut Throat Christine. The children had the most exciting pirate adventures such as walking the plank and hunting for the buried treasure. All of the children were made to feel really welcome, thank you guys for a great afternoon. Nigel and Lucy Hills, Bath

I booked Pirate Attack for my daughter’s sixth birthday party, with slight trepidation as there were no boys coming. However, I needn’t have worried, as the two fabulous pirates engaged the girls from the minute they arrived. The girls loved the crafts, all the games and the bouncy castle was a huge hit. My daughter and her friends are still talking about the sponge throwing at the end of the party! It was the best party we have had so far and we loved the way our daughter was made to feel special throughout. We can’t recommend Pirate Attack highly enough. Tamara Sturtz-Filby, Bath

I would like to Thank you for providing Oscar with a fantastic Birthday Party. It was one of the best parties I’ve seen, and in the words of my son ”His best party ever!” All my sons friends loved it and really got involved. The whole event was managed effortlessly by yourselves making it stress free for us as parents. Could not recommend this party enough, Good old fashioned swashbuckling fun! Very reasonable and worth every penny. Kate Hathaway, Gloucester

What a wonderful 6th birthday party. I took my grandaughter to the party and it was amazing. The pirates captivated the children and a great time was had by all. Lots of games and stories, move over Jack Sparrow!!!!!
Lynn Ward, Bishopston

I just wanted to send you a quick email to say thank-you for Daisy’s wonderful party. She and her friends (and her brother!) had a brilliant time and I’m sure they’ll all be talking about it at school tomorrow! It was a fantastic afternoon, thanks to your expertise and we will certainly be recommending Pirate Attack! Clair Hogg, Elmore Village

I would just like to say a massive thank you to you both Finley’s awesome party today!! All the children had a brilliant time and quoted to say ” best party ever” You were amazing controlling the children and had the patience of a saint and managed the more “challenging” children in a really positive way. You were observed involving all children including the quieter ones and made an effort to remember all the children’s names!! A really well organised party and you some how managed to calm 15 5 year old boys!! Thank you! Victoria Gray, Backwell

Firstly, thanks so much for Felicity’s party. She had such a fantastic time. She loved walking the plank best and throwing wet sponges at her Daddy! I’ve had some really good feedback from other parents too. The decorations looked great and the party was just brilliant-thanks so so much! Karen Algate, Downend

Thanks so much again for a great party today! Noah and Marnie and their whole class had such a great time and the whole party was controlled so amazingly by you! The boys particularly were pretty highly strung at the start of the afternoon and you kept their excitement going with some games which they all really loved. Craft time then calmed everyone down and the treasure hunt was just just fab! It was very clever of you to have them line up to ‘collect their treasure’ before sitting down for food meaning that it wasn’t one big rush to the table – thank you for that! All in all the best party yet! We’ll recommend you to everyone!
Sarah and Faye, Portishead

Schools

Thank you so much! The children had an amazing time as did the adults too.  I just want to let you know how impressed the staff were with your manner with the children.  One of our lovely little girls can need a little time to organise her words and they noticed your patience and kindness, giving her all the time she needed to get her voice heard.  Thank you, we will definitely contact you again next year for another Captain Rocky Cliff visit!
Best wishes, Michelle Stack, SENDCo & KS1 manager, Astwood Bank Primary School, Redditch, Worcestershire

We just wanted to say what a brilliant time we all had in year 1 today. The activities, games and treasure hunt were all very exciting and the children loved learning so much more about Pirates in the process.  I think they were worn out at the end, the sign of a successful day! I hope you had a safe journey home and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.
Sheila Helsby, Year 1 teacher, The Marist Catholic Primary School, West Byfleet, Surrey

Feisal ran the most fantastic ‘Pirate Day’ workshop for our year 2s today. All 60 of them were fascinated by the beginning presentation, educating them further on famous pirates and the origins of the name. We then enjoyed skittles, quiots, walking the plank as well as the photo board and treasure hunt. Feisal has a great way with the children, he was interactive and engaging and had he children’s attention throughout. Some of the children reported it was their ‘best day at school, ever’!
Hannah Sullivan, Year 2 teacher, Emsworth Primary School, Hampshire

Thank you so much for the workshop yesterday. The children absolutely loved it and lots said it was the best day they have ever had in school! I would definitely recommend you to all schools!
Gareth McGovern, Year 2 teacher, Meath Green Infant School, Horley, Surrey

The kids had a fantastic time and loved every part of it. I searched for a pirate experience for my school and after struggling to find anything I found Pirate Attack. They were fantastic in helping to organise the experience with prompt replies and ideas. For the experience the session was set up brilliantly with everything we could possibly need to enjoy and learn throughout the afternoon. The children loved all of the activities that were on offer, all of which were quick, well paced, well structured and well explained. A great experience which I would recommend to others. Jess Higgins, Reception class teacher, Brockworth Primary Academy, Gloucester.

Thank YOU for a fabulous day! We all so enjoyed it and we have had nothing but positive feedback from the children and parents.
Melanie Owen, Year One teacher, Repton Preparatory School, Derbyshire 

Thank you so much for yesterday. I can’t begin to explain how impressed we were with the day. Captain Rocky Cliff had both the children and staff totally enthralled and the attention to detail, such as the pirate names and treasure hunt, were wonderful. There was the perfect balance between learning and fun and the whole school was buzzing with excitement that a real pirate had come to visit. We all had a fantastic day and hopefully we’ll see you again next year.
Abi and the Year 2 team at Stanley Road Primary School, Worcester

Thank you once again for all your help on Friday. From our perspective the day was a great success.
Julia Nichols, Rendcomb College, Nr. Cirencester, Glos

Dear Captain Rocky Cliff, the staff and children at St Anne’s Infants’ School wanted to say thank you for making our Pirate Day a huge success, the children have not stopped talking about it, especialy the ‘walking the plank’ and ‘pillory’. The mixture of a factual yet engaging morning leading into pirate games and and more adventurous activites gave them a real feel for what life would’ve been like as a pirate. We will certainly be contacting you next year with a new group of pirates to work with!  Mrs Watts, Year 2 Teacher, St Anne’s Infants’ School, Bristol.

Good afternoon Captain Rocky Cliff,

We would like to say a big thank you for our amazing Pirate Day. We learnt lots from your talk about Pirates and are now able to imagine what life was like back then. We didn’t know that there are still pirates today!!

It was great fun playing the pirate games and walking the plank., Our teachers have out a picture of us all in the photo board and our mums and dads loved them. It was so funny when you put Miss Saunders in the stocks. It made us laugh a lot.
The treasure hunt was our favourite part. It was so much fun using the clues to find the treasure. It made us think hard about the animals we would find at the beach. We were so enthused by our day we went home and talked about it a lot. We even made pictures, and treasure maps to bring into school the next day.

Thank you for one of our best days in Key Stage One. We hope you enjoyed your time at the Grange. All of the children in Key Stage 1,

Thank you for a fully inspirational day for our staff and children. They were totally engaged from start to finish, applied a range of skills and learnt a bank of knowledge. The day was the perfect ‘wow’ to our new topic, and is certainly a hard act to follow! We have had nothing but positive feedback from our parents, with some asking how they can book you! Thanks again for an amazing day. I’m sure we will see you again in the future.
Jude, Rebecca and the KS1 team, The Grange Primary School, Banbury, Oxfordshire 

We booked the Pirate Attack experience for our key stage 1 children as a reward event. They had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed every part of their afternoon. There were some very tired but very happy faces by the end of the 2 hours. From a school perspective Feisal is professional, organised and comes highly recommended. 
Heather Beach, Assistant Headteacher, Bannerman Road Community Academy and Children’s Centre, Bristol

I was really impressed with the level of organisation leading up to the workshop. The children and staff absolutely loved everything about the day and were so excited when they saw a real pirate in school! 
Rachel Burnside, Assistant Headteacher, Joseph Cash Primary School, Coventry

The Reception and Year 1 children at Abbeywoods had a fantastic day! They especially loved the walk the plank. They were all completely engaged and are still talking about their time as pirates. It was a great “wow” moment for our ‘Under the Sea’ and ‘Pirates’ topics. We cannot thank you enough and the adults and children all hope to see Captain Rocky Cliff again soon!
Charley Middleton, Reception Teacher, Abbeywoods Academy, Oxfordshire

I am just emailing to say thank you so much for yesterday! We all had a fantastic day and the children absolutely loved building their understanding of Pirates and the brilliant activities which you had planned for the day. They were all delighted with their treasure! I know that the experience will certainly help to support their learning for the rest of our Land Ahoy topic! We hope to see you next year!
Katy Whitcombe,  Year 2 Class Teacher, Robin Hood Academy, Birmingham

Sorry it’s taken so long (report-writing month, always a busy time!) but I just wanted to write and thank you for the Pirate workshop. The children loved it, and it was a brilliant start to our topic. We will certainly be booking you again next time this topic comes around. Many thanks,
Lisa Vincent, Year 1/2 teacher, Llangattock Primary School, South Wales

Just to thank you for a really great day both the staff and children had a wonderful time from start to finish.  I hope you got home safely. We look forward to seeing you again next year.Very best wishes.
Lynn Forbes, Year 2 teacher and staff, Grestone Academy, Birmingham

Just wanted to drop you a quick email to say a massive thank you for your fun-filled day last Wednesday. The children learnt lots, were having such fun and we have had some great comments about Captain Rocky Cliff since! We would LOVE to book you again for next year.
Lucy Hutchings, Reception teacher, Twyford School, Hampshire

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the amazing time you gave our key stage 1 children. It was a great way to kick off our topic and they all really enjoyed themselves. They are still enjoying playing ‘walk the plank’ at playtime. The session was fun, informative and kept all children interested which is no easy feat. Thanks again I will definitely be in touch to book again.
Sarah Harvey Greenfield E-Act Academy, Bristol.

Recently we have had Captain Rocky Cliff visit our school for all of KS1 and Reception. It was a fun filled day with an interesting talk at the start which engaged the children and really helped enhance the rest of the week’s learning. Also, we had a variety of games in which the children enjoyed taking part. The best part for the children was going through Blackbeard’s ‘suitcase’!!! They have remembered lots of new facts.
Ella Davies, Year 1 teacher, Newlands Primary School, Yately, Hampshire

 I just wanted to email to say thank you so much for your workshops yesterday – the children all thoroughly enjoyed it and were still talking about it today!
Lauren Dunning, Class teacher, Grange Primary School, Gloucester

I just wanted to thank you so much for the fantastic pirate workshop yesterday. The children had an amazing time! There were so many nice activities for the children to enjoy. Much appreciated.
Hannah Card, Year 2 teacher, Oak Hill First School, Redditch, Worcestershire

Just wanted to say thank you for today. The children thoroughly enjoyed it, as did the adults. It was truly a memorable experience for them and will give us lots to write about next week! Thanks again and best wishes for the future.
Dawn Roberts, Foundation teacher, Overmonnow Primary School, Monmouth

I just wanted to send a quick message to say thank you once again for Friday! The children had a fantastic morning and were really enthusiastic in all they had to say about your visit! They made me promise to send you a message to say “Thank you very much for our treasure!” Many thanks for all you did! We run this topic every two years so we may well be seeing you again in the future! Thank you again.
Clair Akhurst, Year 1 teacher, Meadowside Primary School, Quedgeley, Gloucester

Ernesford Grange Primary School would really recommend booking Feisal or any ‘pirate themed’ day.  He was highly informative, energetic, witty and both the children and staff enjoyed it immensely. The day was organised well, with a variety of activities which maximised learning and a great deal of engaging resources. Communication in advance was also prompt.  We will definitely be booking again!
Alice Scannell, Year 2 teacher, Ernesford Grange Primary School, Coventry

Groups

Just a quick note to thank you for a truly fabulous presentation and evening of activities at our monthly Women’s Institute meeting. Everyone had a completely brilliant time and thanks to you, the activities generated lots of laughs and conversation.

The pirate names were a super addition and overall we were thrilled with our Pirate themed meeting. We won’t hesitate to recommend you to other groups in the federation…prepare to be inundated with requests!!
Brislington WI

Brilliant! Informative, entertaining and funny. Captain Rocky Cliff
captured the mood of the motley crew (aged 60 – 90+) right from the off. No
one was embarrassed and no one was lost overboard. You won’t be
disappointed if you welcome him aboard.
St Peter’s Over 50s Club

Feisal Khalif informed and entertained the teachers from the Heritage Schools Programme in Bristol, with a talk that explored the link between Bristol and Pirates in myth and reality. His depth of knowledge, based on extensive research gave a fascinating insight into how the myths developed as well as where the elements of truth lay.
Michael Gorely, Local Heritage Education Manager South West

For further information about the pirate parties go to www.pirateattack.co.uk or telephone 0117 939 4311