WHY are free fun days for child pirates and princesses so much fun? Because they aargh!

Children enjoyed “silly sports” activities at Acorn Hall, Harwich Road, Colchester, as part of a programme of half term treats.

With cutlasses swinging and wands waving, kids from four to 13 took part with many dressing up to mark the occasion.

There were toddlers tossing cannonballs back through gunports, skull and crossbone flags being prepared for pirate ships and a whole host of sports on offer for everyone to enjoy.

The free event was put together by the Footprints Theatre Company.