A FUNDING application has been submitted to Weymouth BID for £20,000 to support a new pirate festival.

The application has been submitted by Taloch Jameson from Celtic/folk-rock band The Dolmen.

The plan is for a three-day pirate/shanty festival from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28. It aims to offer pirate-themed entertainment, including live music from bands from across the UK and abroad, as well as pirate re-enactors who have performed at similar festivals in Brixham and Swanage.

As the application is requesting funding from the BID it has to benefit levy payers.

Pirate-themed events have been held in Weymouth but this would be the first full dedicated weekend of events.

In his application Mr Jameson says: “Our event is a unique one for Weymouth that is used around the UK in other towns.

“The benefit is that people attend who have an interest in festivals of this type and, once they attend and look around the town it encourages them to return at other times.

“Brixham is a prime example as their return rate is up by 20 per cent.

“The influx into the town over the three days will give a significant boost to all types of traders, including bars, shops, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and gift shops.”

Mr Jameson estimated that the average spend per visitor would be £20 to £25.

The application provides a breakdown of how the money will be spent if granted by the BID.

This includes £5,500 on security, £2,500 on first aid, £5,500 on bands, £2,200 on re-enactors, £1,100 on insurance, £1,700 on serviced toilets, £2,987 on stage and PA hire and £2,000 on a contingency fund.

However, these costs are projections and will be confirmed once all quotes are received.

According to the application, the festival has already received the support of five businesses in the town, including the Old Town Hall, the Nothe Tavern, The Boot Inn, Weymouth Museum and the Nothe Fort.

Mr Jameson added: “We have been in contact with other pirate event festival organisers and have their full support with helping us put on a successful Weymouth festival.

“We know we have the right personnel in key areas and as an international band (The Dolmen) we already promote Weymouth when we go on our European tours, we feel that to hold the festival is the way forward to help and benefit the town of Weymouth. We are hoping to do the re-enactment of a pirate battle on the Saturday afternoon on the beach at the Pavilion end.

“We are also hoping for a live music stage outside of the White Hart pub and history and talks up in the Nothe Gardens.”