CUTLASSES were drawn, Jolly Rogers raised and sea shanties filled the air as one of Poole’s most famous sons was celebrated in a plunder-ful pirate party.

The sun shone down after a morning of rain as pirates paraded through the town to mark the annual Harry Paye Day on Poole Quay.

Thousands lined the streets to see the parade and to take part in the subsequent festivities, which commemorate the late-14th- and early-15th-century privateer.

The blast of a cannon set the parade off at midday on Saturday, June 15, led by the mayor of Poole, Cllr Pete Miles, a fire engine and the Dolphin Marching Band.

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The procession worked its way from The Quay, along the High Street and back onto The Quay by the Sea Music Sculpture.

Pirates swapped their ships for motorbikes bringing up the rear of the parade, with the loud engines ringing out across the town and quayside.

The crowds could then enjoy a range of pirate-themed activities in the pirate village, live music, face painting and a children’s pirate costume competition.

Brian Marsh, chair of the organisers, the Pirates of Poole, said it was ‘nice to see thousands of people’ come out for what is ‘always a great day’.

“It’s been really good to see so many smiling faces again this year,” Brian said.

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“Obviously the weather has been a bit of an issue. I was here at 7am this morning and it was raining sideways which wasn’t the best start of my day.

“Yet the sun has now come out, the wind has calmed down, it’s all we could hope for.”

The event helps to support the businesses along The Quay, with the pubs and restaurants packed out.

“It helps keep the history of the town alive, it helps keep businesses alive, and makes everyone laugh as well, everyone loves pirates, it’s silly,” Brian said.

The event also supports a range of charities.

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Brian said: “One of our charities this year is the Poole Town kid’s initiative.

“They all turned up with their football kits on and they respond to Neymar, so if someone shouts Neymar, they all hit the deck.

“A lot of charity support this year, it’s great to see. Every penny we take goes straight to charity, we’re not a business, we don’t run any costs.”

The festivities continue until 6pm on Saturday and Harry Paye Day will return next year.