The Cayman Islands Government has launched its promotional campaign for the 49th Pirates Week Festival, with organisers pledging a bigger celebration this year while seeking greater support from the private sector.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage on Monday released the festival's official promotional video, confirming that the 2026 event will be held under the theme "Spirits, Gold and Glory" and will take place across all three Cayman Islands between October 30 and November 21.

Speaking in the video, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Isaac Rankine MP said the Government intended to build on what it described as the success of last year's festival.

"After a tremendously successful 2025 Pirates Week Festival, we are excited and optimistic about delivering an even bigger and better experience in 2026," Mr Rankine said.

He said organisers would also place renewed emphasis on working with the business community as planning for the festival gathers pace.

"As we continue to grow the festival, we remain committed to strengthening our public-private partnership. In the coming weeks, we'll be launching our sponsorship package and meeting with businesses and partners interested in supporting the continued success and growth of Pirates Week."

Mr Rankine encouraged the corporate community to support the festival, describing sponsorship as an important part of its continued development.

Pirates Week will begin in Cayman Brac on October 30 and 31, before moving to Grand Cayman from November 6 to 14 and concluding in Little Cayman on November 20 and 21.

The minister also officially unveiled this year's theme, saying "Spirits, Gold and Glory" reflects the strength, mystery, resilience and adventurous spirit that have come to define the Cayman Islands' national festival.

Several longstanding attractions will return, including the Pirates Week Song Competition, the Pirates Week T-shirt Competition and the annual night parade.

The 2025 festival was largely well attended, although one of its headline attractions, the Pirates Week drone show, was postponed after interference with the drone signal. Organisers rescheduled the display from November 15 to 18, saying the decision was taken out of an abundance of caution.

The announcement also comes as the Cayman Islands continues to record growth in tourism. According to the Economics and Statistics Office, stayover arrivals increased by 3.4% in 2025, with national events such as Pirates Week forming part of the destination's annual tourism calendar.

The ministry said the full festival programme and additional event announcements will be released in the coming weeks.