Poole Quay will be ship shape for a festival o’ Pirate fun for lads ‘n lasses of all ages. Expect a sea of pirates as land lubbers and salty sea dogs are encouraged to dig out yarr eye patch, earring and cutlass for Poole’s charity fun day.
Organised by the Pirates of Poole and supported by Poole Tourism, the popular shindig gets underway from 12 under the noonday sun with the Parade of Pirates along Poole Quay with the Mayor of Poole Cllr Sean Gabriel judging the Pirate Fancy Dress at 1pm. As part of the celebrations cannons will be going off at 12noon for the start of the Pirate Parade and then every hour on the hour.
Sponsored by Poole Bid and Jenkins Marine, the event is part of Poole’s Wave 105 Summertime in the South events, where visitors can see cannon and musket displays followed by belly dancers or try their luck on the traditional stalls. There’s also plenty for children with a fancy dress competition, rides, a teddy bear tombola and face painting.
Sample the finest grog along the quayside’s traditional, pubs, bars and restaurants and listen to a salty sea shanty or two at the two live music stages featuring local bands including, Spiderpig, Hugh Budden & the Blue Chords, Innocent Bystander on the Main Stage and Quiet Donkeys, Blame George and Vintage Dogs at the Fish Shambles opposite the Lord Nelson.
Events finish at 6pm and this year Harry Paye Day is helping to raise plenty of dubloons for local charities Victoria School, Dorset Blind Association and Margaret Green Animal Rescue.
Cap’n Marty Caine, said; “Join us for a day of great fun celebrating Poole’s Maritime History and raising money for local Poole Charities. So dress in your best pirate get up, have your photo taken with a mermaid and bring your dubloons for some almighty charity fundraising fun.”
Graham Richardson, Tourism Liaison Manager, Bournemouth & Poole Tourism, said: “Paye Day is a fantastic family event that gets everyone out and celebrating Poole’s rich history. There’s so much to see and everyone really gets into the spirit. So get practicing your pirate speak, dig out your fancy dress and let your inner pirate loose.”
On the day Poole Quay will be closed to traffic from 9am and will re-open by 7pm.