Weymouth will soon be flying the Jolly Roger as Weymouth Pirate Fest 2025 returns from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 October, promising a weekend packed with live music, parades, and plenty of swashbuckling fun.
The event is organised by The Dolmen and supported once again by We Are Weymouth (BID), with additional backing from local businesses including Hardy’s Hophouse, The Fantastic Sausage Factory, The Duke of Albany, The Panama Cocktail Bar, The Cheese Rack and Weymouth’s Tattoo and Piercing.
First dreamed up back in 1994, when Mark Vine added a pirate twist to Weymouth’s Tall Ships Race, the festival has grown steadily through the years. Its development through Waterfest 2000 and later the creativity of Taloch Jameson and The Dolmen has seen it become one of the South Coast’s best-loved themed weekends.
What to Expect
The festivities begin on Friday 3 October, when The Dolmen perform a sell-out show aboard the historic galleon Nao Victoria. Rumour has it the ghost of Weymouth’s first Mayor – and infamous pirate – Hugh Randall may make an appearance on the decks that evening. The Old Time Sailors will also be performing at Weymouth Pavilion, while live music fills many of the town’s pubs and bars.
Across the weekend, Weymouth’s own tall ship Moonfleet will join the Nao Victoria in the harbour, adding even more seafaring atmosphere to the town.
Highlights on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October include:
- A traditional pirate parade, complete with drummers leading crowds through the streets.
- Street music, re-enactments, and entertainment from bands and buskers.
- Pirate storytelling, history talks, and comedic performances at venues across the town.
- Family-friendly activities at locations such as Nothe Fort, the Palm House, and the Library.
- Opportunities for everyone to get into character with pirate ribbons, sashes, and finery.
- pirate gatherings and live music at The Black Dog
The Dolmen’s own albums – Spirits of the Sea, Storm, and their latest release Devils Crest – are set to provide the soundtrack to the weekend’s celebrations.
Local Support
Dawn Rondeau-Irvine, Chief Operations Officer at We Are Weymouth, said:
“Weymouth Pirate Fest has become one of the town’s most colourful weekends, bringing locals and visitors together in true Weymouth style. We’re delighted to sponsor the event and help celebrate our town’s love of music, heritage, and spectacle. Immerse yourself in a weekend of traditional seafaring music, songs and shanties with pirates, parades and plenty of fun for all ages, it promises to be an unmissable festival.”
Festival organiser Taloch Jameson of The Dolmen added:
“What began as a spark of an idea way back in 1994 has grown into something extraordinary. Weymouth has truly embraced its pirate heritage, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable weekend.”
Join the Crew
The town will once again be transformed into a hub of pirate revelry thanks to the dedication of volunteers, local sponsors, and of course the visiting crews.
For the latest programme updates, visit weymouthpiratefest.com, follow the official Weymouth Pirate Fest, Dolmen Pirate Parlay, and The Dolmen Facebook pages, or head to weareweymouth.co.uk for details of pirate-themed activities across the town.
Huzzah! Weymouth is ready to hoist the sails and embrace a weekend of pirate mischief.
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