AVAST, me hearties! Weymouth becomes a battleground for a pirate-themed fundraiser this weekend.

The Weymouth Pirates and Smugglers Festival celebrating the area’s history and maritime heritage features re-enactments and live music.

It has been organised jointly by the Weymouth Garrison, a re-enactment group set up to support the Old Town Hall, and folk band The Dolmen.

The same people are involved in organising the Crabchurch Conspiracy Commemoration Weekend each February.

Mark Vine from the Weymouth Garrison said: “Pirate festivals have been held in the area before but this is the first one we have done together to support the Old Town Hall.

“Everyone loves pirates and this is awareness to celebrate Weymouth’s maritime history.”

Re-enactors from across the country are expected to join the Weymouth Garrison.

For details on the live music performances tonight and tomorrow see the Live page on p24-25.