SWASHBUCKLING pirates and landlubbers alike are set to celebrate one of Poole’s famous sons this weekend.

Harry Paye Day will return to Poole Quay and the town centre on Saturday, June 15.

The annual event, organised by the Pirates of Poole, remembers Harry Paye, a famous late-14th- and early-15th-century privateer from the town.

He led naval raids along the French and Spanish coasts, and retaliated to a raid on Poole in 1405 by stealing a legendary haul of hundreds of ships.

(Image: Richard Crease)

Loot included gold, wine and exotic fruits, which he brought back to the people of Poole, who are said to have drunk for a month afterwards.

The celebration will begin at midday with a pirate parade and is followed by live music, pirate games, children’s rides, live history areas and cannons.

There will also be a competition for the best dressed junior pirates, with children and adults alike encouraged to don their best pirate dress, eyepatches and cutlasses.

The free event will run between midday and 6pm on Saturday, June 15.