THE CONWY Pirate Festival returns to the town this weekend, with two days of swashbuckling fun in store.

The annual event - which attracts thousands, many in fancy dress - features a treasure hunt, barrel and keg race, music and entertainment, and the ever-popular pirate attack.

In the pirate attack, militia re-enactment groups defend Conwy from the Pirate Ship attack with a battery of black powder cannon and muskets.

The battle is a great success and enjoyed by all who attend, also giving the public a living demonstration of life at this time in history.

The festival celebrates heritage and folklore, featuring an authentic sailing schooner of the type used by pirates, armed with real cannons and crewed by re-enactors dressed in the period of the early 18th century, known as “the golden age of piracy”.

Local entertainment acts include dance troupe Dancing with Cinti, the Mermaid Centre for arts, Clerical Error Morris dancers and the Quayside Buccaneers.

Others are encouraged to get involved acting in the trailer films that are created for the event, with a trio from Llandudno Junction, Penmaenmawr and Old Colwyn writing and producing the music element themselves.

Reiver’s Gallows and Port Sunlight Sea Dogs will be performing sea shanties throughout the weekend, and themed games such as replica cannons knocking over wooden ships, a treasure island skittles game and a cannon ball run, provide family enjoyment.

Props will be made available for free photo opportunities, such as the stocks and pillory, a 6 ft ship’s wheel, and a Jack Sparrow’s crow’s nest from the opening scene of Pirates of the Caribbean.

READ MORE:

Conwy pub to host episode of Location, Location, Location

Hundreds enjoy fun in the sun at annual Deganwy Prom Day

The event organisers, Conwy Pirates CIC, are still looking for more volunteers at the festival.

Ahead of the event, Joy Servaes Mann, director of Conwy Pirates CIC, said: “Conwy Pirate Festival has an international following and visitors are travelling considerable distances from home and abroad to attend our event and support the economy of the town.

“However, the costs for the festival have increased year on year.

“Thankfully we have many volunteers who give up their time to plan, organise and stage the festival, but we still need more.

“All re-enactors and mermaids provide their skills free of charge.

“I will not lie, it can be hard work, but it is unforgettable fun and there are some great people who will be giving up their time with you.”

The festival will take place on June 8 and 9.