Harry Paye Day
Poole, Dorset
Avast, me hearties! Every year, Poole Quay transforms into a swashbuckling pirate haven to celebrate the town’s most infamous son, the legendary privateer Harry Paye. Organised by the Pirates of Poole, this free family event is packed with live sea shanties, thrilling cannon fire, traditional games, and an unmissable Parade of Pirates.
Welcome to Harry Paye Day! Taking place on Saturday, 20th June 2026, this beloved community festival celebrates Poole’s rich maritime history with a delightfully piratical twist. The entire quayside is closed to traffic, making way for thousands of locals and visitors dressed in their finest pirate gear for an afternoon of pure seaside fun.
The festivities officially kick off at midday with the spectacular “Parade of Pirates.” Led by the Pirates of Poole, the loud and colourful procession marches along the waterfront. Expect marching bands, elaborately decorated floats, roaring motorcycle outriders, and hundreds of spectacular costumes.
Throughout the afternoon, Poole Quay comes alive with non-stop entertainment. You will find two stages hosting live local bands and foot-stomping sea shanty crews. For the little buccaneers, there are fairground rides, face painting, and traditional games like the famous Aunt Sally stall!
Harry Paye was a late-14th-century privateer (a pirate with a government license) who sailed from Poole Harbour. He became a local hero by attacking French and Spanish ships and bringing the seized booty – often gold and fine wine – back to the people of Poole. Old Harry Rocks in Purbeck is even named after him!
A Swashbuckling Day Out on Poole Quay
If there is one day of the year that perfectly captures the rebellious, fun-loving spirit of Poole, it is Harry Paye Day. Organised tirelessly by the local charity group The Pirates of Poole, this brilliant annual event draws massive crowds to the historic waterfront to celebrate the town’s legendary seafaring past.
Whether you are a local resident or visiting the South Coast for a summer holiday, this is an incredibly fun, highly interactive community event that offers something for all ages.
Fancy Dress & Cannon Fire
While dressing up isn’t mandatory, it is highly encouraged! You will see everyone from toddlers to grandparents donning tricorn hats, eye patches, and striped shirts. The atmosphere is fantastic, with everyone practicing their best “arrrs!” as they explore the quayside.
A thrilling highlight of the day is the historic cannon firing. Every hour on the hour, the pirate crew load up and fire authentic muskets and cannons out over the harbour. It is spectacular to watch, but cover your ears—it is incredibly loud!
Food, Drink & Charity Fundraising
Because the event takes place right on Poole Quay, you are perfectly positioned to enjoy the area’s fantastic pubs and seafood restaurants. Many of the local landlords get into the spirit, offering pirate-themed drinks and outdoor seating so you can soak up the live music.
Best of all, Harry Paye Day is a charity event. While the festival is completely free to attend, the Pirates of Poole will be rattling their treasure chests all afternoon, collecting vital funds for local good causes. Bring some loose change and support the local community while you enjoy the festivities!
Additional information
Do I need a ticket for Harry Paye Day? No, Harry Paye Day is a completely free, unticketed public event! Simply turn up on Poole Quay and join in the fun. However, we highly recommend bringing some cash to donate to the Pirates of Poole charity buckets, and for the various food stalls and traditional games.
Is the event suitable for young children? Absolutely. Harry Paye Day is designed as a family-friendly festival and children love the pirate theme, face painting, and funfair rides.
Please note: the cannon and musket firing (which happens on the hour) is very loud, so you may want to bring ear defenders for toddlers or babies!
Where is the best place to park? Poole Quay itself will be closed to all vehicles for the duration of the event. The closest parking is at the Quay Visitors multi-storey car park or the Dolphin Quays car park, but these fill up extremely quickly. We recommend parking slightly further out in Poole town centre and walking down, or using local public transport.
Plan Your Pirate Weekend in Poole
Make a weekend of it! Book a fantastic family-friendly holiday home near Poole Quay, dive into Dorset’s rich maritime history, and enjoy the ultimate summer escape on the beautiful South Coast.
