ARGH you ready for a jolly good time this Easter?

Weymouth BID has joined forces with the Weymouth Garrison and Note Fort to host a Pirate Weekend.

The weekend will bring together local re-enactment groups for the 3rd Weymouth Pirate Festival, led by the Dorset Buccaneers.

The festival will take place between April 3 and April 6. Pirates and Redcoats will be meandering around the town during the daytime, which could lead to skirmishes and street fighting if their paths cross.

Organisers have been giving it the heave ho to ensure this is the biggest and best festival yet.

Money raised from the event will go towards the restoration and upkeep of Weymouth’s Old Town Hall.

Celtic band The Dolmen will start the celebrations on Friday, April 3 at The Golden Lion.

They will follow this up with a performance at the Wyke Smugglers Saturday evening.

Prior to this, there will be a Scallywags best pirate hat competition during the day judged by Captain Jax Parrow.

Judging will start a 2pm alongside the backdrop of Weymouth’s own tall ship, the Pelican. Fancy dress is mandatory but only hats will be judged.

If a skirmish is to occur between pirates and Redcoats, it is suggested they will meet at the beach at around 2.30pm.

Black powder weaponry and cannons will fill the air with the smell of gunpowder - an entertaining conflict not to be missed.

Sunday, meanwhile, has been crowned Pirate and Princess Day at Nothe Fort. There will be a fancy dress competition, a talent competition, a bouncy castle, face painting and much more.

Folk band The Captain’s Beard will also be providing music in the evening at a venue yet to be announced.

Nigel Reed, manager at Weymouth BID, revealed the weekend would mark the launch of a new competition for children.

He said: “Scallywags Saturday, on April 4, is marked by the launch of the BID’s free to enter Scallywags Pirate Trail for children, which will run until Sunday, April 12.

“The perfect activity for any young wannabe pirates, clues will lead them on a hunt around the town to find hidden posters of the Scallywag Gang characters.

“Complete the trail by locating the Scallywags treasure chest, then return your trail form to the Weymouth BID office and you could be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Trail forms will be available to download from Saturday, April 4 at weareweymouth.co.uk

Alternatively, forms can be collected from the Weymouth BID office at 15 St Alban Street from 10am.