Pickle Night

All hands on deck for an evening of nautical nonsense! Join us for Pickle Night,

Raise your voices alongside the Selsey Shanty Men, receive your Rum Ration, and muster your crew for a Naval Quiz covering ships, sailors, battles and maritime history.

Then prove your seamanship in our Knot-Tying Contest – speed, skill and a steady hand will decide who earns bragging rights amongst the crew.

Officers, sailors, admirals and assorted sea dogs are encouraged to arrive in their finest sailor themed fancy dress.

Expect shanties, rum, rivalry and plenty of nautical revelry.

All hands welcome. Rum ration issued. Shore leave cancelled.

What is Pickle Night?

Pickle Night commemorates the remarkable voyage of HMS Pickle, the small Royal Navy schooner entrusted with carrying the news of Britain’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar — and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson — back to England in 1805. Her commander, Lieutenant John Lapenotiere, eventually reached the Admiralty in London in the early hours of 6 November, bringing news of one of the most famous victories in British naval history.

The modern Pickle Night tradition began in the Royal Navy in the 1970s as a rather more informal counterpart to the formal Trafalgar Night dinner. Instead of polished ceremony, Pickle Night became associated with naval camaraderie, hearty food, beer and rum, sea shanties, storytelling and plenty of audience participation.