… is thankfully over. Two people tending a stand all day every day for a week is rather tiring work. This was Pirate Party’s first exposure to the terrifying outside world and we didn’t buckle under the pressure, and in fact got over 100 members! There were a fair few people asking about when exactly this “pirate party” was going to happen (it’s happening right now isn’t it?), and also some interesting debates about copyright… Overall mood seemed positive despite the rather schizophrenic weather, and we were even visited by some members of the Irish Pirate Party for our troubles.

Our Freshers’ event, “Avast!” was a great success, as far as I’m concerned. All who attended seemed to enjoy it and we’ll be running a sequel at some point later in the year.

The next thing we’re doing shall be on the week of the 12th, as detailled in the email. This will be a general meeting about our plans for the rest of the year, as well as an informal social event with refreshments.

A number of people asked on the stand at Freshers’ Week if they were joining a political party. Just to clarify this, we’re simply a university society formed in the likeness of the Swedish Pirate Party. We are not however a political party ourselves. If you’re interested in joining the Irish Pirate Party (which is a political group), take a look at their website. We’ve a link to it on the left bar of this page anyway, for future reference.

We’ve spoken to members of the Irish Pirate Party (which, amusingly, was also founded this year) and we may collaborate on future events. They’ve also kindly created a forum on their website. Instead of splintering conversation on these topics, we’re going to use this as our main online forum. Just to note, by signing up to their website, you’re not automatically signing up to the party, so don’t worry about that.

Our first event, to be held the Thursday of Freshers’ Week, takes rather heavy inspiration from Salon du Chat, which has been held at Electric Picnic for the last two years. The basic idea is to skip small-talk with strangers and dive straight into more serious topics – chosen from a list (a menu you might say), but interpreted however you desire. It’s great fun for anyone who enjoys a good discussion, and is also a good way to meet people (though you may end up knowing their opinions on current affairs before you know their name), so do come along.

The arts block can be a bit of a maze so there will be some signs leading the way.