Three days of pirate shenanigans are set for Weymouth.

People are invited to shiver their timbers and say 'Arrrgh!’ as the Weymouth Pirate Festival returns with enthusiasts from all over the country joining the festivities. 

There was a welcome event last night at Hardy’s Hophouse in St Thomas Street with music from the Celtic Giants, aka the Dolmen.

The Moonfleet ship has moored in Weymouth Harbour near the Harbour Master’s Office, and setting sail on Monday.

The main event takes place today - Saturday - as the ever-popular pirate parade hits the town.

Everyone is invited to take part in the parade which starts at St Mary Street, near to the Golden Lion pub at 11.30am.

The parade often draws hundreds of visitors from all over the country.

Last year’s event drew huge crowds 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.

Sem Vine, one of the organisers said: “We are excited as always and have had lots of interest this year. It’s probably going to be even bigger and better than last year.

“Lots of businesses are getting involved and we are just happy for everybody to climb aboard.

“Every age of pirate can get involved with the pirate parade.”

There will even be a special visit from ‘Captain Jax Parrow,’ a popular Jack Sparrow impersonator who will be at The Belvedere on High West Street from 3.30pm.

The Belvedere is among the pubs supporting the pirates weekend with music and entertainment.

Later in the day, there will be live music at Hardy’s Hophouse from 1pm and further live music at 10pm from the Dolmen.

There is also a pirate treasure map pub trail which will see punters visit a number of Weymouth pubs to collect a map, they must then solve a riddle to claim a token and there are nine tokens to collect overall.

From Saturday, October 5 to Sunday, October 6, there will also be family-friendly pirate shenanigans for the mini-pirates at the Nothe Fort.

Children can walk the plank, climb on board the pirate ship climbing frame, fire at attacking ships, take part in pirate hook hoopla and even make their own pirate crafts.

For all of the events, people are encouraged to don their best pirate costumes.