Pirates drop anchor in Weymouth and descend on the town

Special guests included Captain Jack Sparrow impersonator Jax Parrow who led a pirate parade alongside Davey Jones throughout the town centre, closely followed by award-winning Dorset band The Dolmen.

The Dolmen in the pirate parade (Image: Hollie Carr)

Crowds gathered outside Hardy’s Hop House on St Thomas Street to get a glimpse of the swashbuckling action including youngster Captain Spencer who was ‘having a great time’ visiting with his mum who commented on everyone’s ‘excellent outfits.’

Captain Spencer (Image: Hollie Carr)

Joining Jax Parrow in the parade was Scarlett the Harlot who said: “We are all bonkers really, we do lots of pirate festivals and it’s just a lovely community with lovely people.

A captured 'Jax Parrow' was at the head of the parade (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Pirate Hailey Marks added: “It’s an annual event that we come to every year as part of the Jolly Rogers. It’s really good fun and there’s a really good spirit and we just love it.”

Scarlett the Harlot and pirate Hailey Marks (Image: Hollie Carr)

There was floods of laughter and cheer from audiences who followed the pirates around as they paraded the streets with music and a few confetti canons.

Blackbeard, Ladybeard, Mr Rook and Lady Libertine (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Pirates come from all over the country just to attend the parade.

The festivities didn’t stop there as the Nothe Fort also hosted their very own pirate-themed celebrations.

Volunteer at the fort, Ian Brooke explained that they had a ‘pretty good turnout.’

Ian Brooke (Image: Hollie Carr)

He said: “This event is more for the children, they can walk the plank, throw canon balls at targets and search for gold and when they get the gold, they can take it back and they get great big gold coins and inside, there’s something worth much more than money – it’s chocolate.”

Weymouth local Samantha Roberts and her friend Kelly saw the event advertised online and headed down with their kids.

Fun and games at Nothe Fort (Image: Hollie Carr)

They said: “The weather was nice and the kids are really enjoying themselves.”

Their kids were making the most of the activities on offer and opted for a spot of Pirate Bowling.

Isabelle Healey aiming for attacking ships (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The Belvedere also celebrated the pirate skullduggery with an ale and cider festival on Friday with a whole host of local Dorset ales for customers to sample as well as a rum tasting session on the Saturday.