It was a swashbuckling weekend in Weymouth as hundreds gathered for the town's annual pirate parade and associated shenanigans.

Hundreds of people donned their best garb for the highlight of the Weymouth Pirate Festival on the town centre.

The seafaring crew met outside the Golden Lion on St Mary Street and it included special guest Captain Jack Sparrow impersonator Jax Parrow and the award-winning Dorset band The Dolmen.

Crowds lined the streets to get a glimpse of the shenanigans. 

Phil Boulton and Charmaine Prewette, from Bristol, were among the buccaneers and loved to put smiles on people's faces. 

Charmaine said: "It's so amazing getting together with all the other pirates and meeting people from all over the country. The live bands as well are absolutely fantastic. 

L to R: Caroline and Kevin Harris with Charmaine Prewette and Phil Boulton at Weymouth Pirate Festival 2024L to R: Caroline and Kevin Harris with Charmaine Prewette and Phil Boulton at Weymouth Pirate Festival 2024 (Image: Katie Heyes)

"Letting your troubles go and becoming a pirate for the weekend is so fun."

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.

Pirates come from all over the country just to attend the parade including Kevin and Caroline Harris who set sail all the way from Sweden.

Parade and crowds at Weymouth Pirate Festival 2024Parade and crowds at Weymouth Pirate Festival 2024 (Image: Katie Heyes) Both agree they have fallen in love with the Weymouth area. 

Kevin said: "We love it. It's our second time going to the Weymouth Pirate Festival. We enjoyed the first one so much we came back a second time. 

"Weymouth is such a nice place with lovely people."

Robyn Stratton, Jess Preston and Faisal Jafry came from Kent and all enjoyed the event. 

Robyn Stratton, Jess Preston and Faisal Jafry at Weymouth Pirate Festival 2024Robyn Stratton, Jess Preston and Faisal Jafry at Weymouth Pirate Festival 2024 (Image: Katie Heyes) Jess said: "Seeing everyone come together is beautiful. We love it!"

Becki Lawrence is from Wiltshire and is part of the South West Pirate Crew - a group of enthusiasts who live around Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire and Somerset.

She said: "It's great to see everyone from different areas come together at the end of the year. It's good as well that everyone got so involved especially the locals."

Becki Lawrence from Wiltshire at Weymouth Pirate Festival 2024Becki Lawrence from Wiltshire at Weymouth Pirate Festival 2024 (Image: Katie Heyes) Salix Coleman said: "We love to see everyone joining in. It's a really good community thing. I think it brings the whole town together. It gives something for children to see and enjoy when it's not the school holidays."

The parade was the main event in a weekend packed full of activities. Festivities kicked off on Friday with a welcome event at Hardy’s Hophouse in St Thomas Street with music from the Celtic Giants, aka the Dolmen.

A number of pubs took part in the event with a pirate trail being organised as well as lots of live music and entertainment.

Mini-pirates could also enjoy family friend activities at the Nothe Fort from Saturday, October 5 to Sunday, October 6.

Pirates at Weymouth beachPirates at Weymouth beach (Image: Tracey Scorer) Children could 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.

The Moonfleet ship moored in Weymouth Harbour near the Harbour Master’s Office for the weekend.