SWAB the decks and hoist ‘yer main sail for Poole’s annual celebration of its favourite pirate son Harry Paye on Saturday.

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 12noon with the Parade of Pirates along Poole Quay with the mayor of Poole Cllr Lindsay Wilson 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 Jenkins Marine, Tesco & Eden Vauxhall, the event is part of Poole’s Wave 105 Summertime in the South events.

There will be belly dancers, s fancy dress competition, rides, face painting, a charity raffle plus plenty of music including sea shanties and two live music stages featuring local bands including Spiderpig, Bomo Swing, Vintage Dogs on the Main Stage and Bonsai Pirates, Raising Kane and The Red Crow at the Fish Shambles opposite the Lord Nelson.

Events finish at 6pm and this year Harry Paye Day is raising funds for local charities including Diverse Abilities Plus, Waggy Tails Rescue and Forest Holme Hospice.

Captain Roger Laird, said: “Aaargh me hearties! The Pirates of Poole invite, nay compel you to put on your best pirate rig and join us on Poole Quay for live music, loud bangs and loads of other stuff. Bring your dubloons cos every penny we collect goes to charity! Thanks to our sponsors, the bands, Poole Tourism and the Quay businesses for their help with this fundraising almighty shindig.”

Paul Dredge, acting chairman of the Poole Tourism Partnership, said: “Every year the crowds grow at this fantastic charity event and people really get into the spirit.

“Families love it and have lots of fun celebrating this part of the town’s fascinating history. So join in with your best pirate jokes, fancy dress and pirate lingo and free your inner pirate for the day.”

Poole Quay will be closed to traffic from 9am and will re-open by 7pm. The Pirates of Poole are always looking for new recruits, contact piratesofpoole@yahoo.co.uk. Look for information on #HarryPayeDay