– We Are Weymouth sponsors Weymouth Pirate Fest once again –
Weymouth is set to be invaded by pirates once again as The Dolmen present Weymouth Pirate Fest 2025 – a weekend of live music, parades, and seafaring shenanigans.
This is proudly sponsored once again by We Are Weymouth (BID) as well as some fantastic additional financial support from Hardy’s Hophouse, The Fantastic Sausage Factory, The Duke of Albany, The Panama Cocktail Bar, The Cheese Rack and Weymouth Tattoo and Piercing.
This much-loved festival has grown from humble beginnings into a legendary celebration. Its origins can be traced back to 1994 when Mark Vine brought a pirate flavour to Weymouth’s Tall Ships Race. The idea evolved through Waterfest 2000, and later, with the creative spark of singer-songwriter Taloch Jameson of The Dolmen, became a full-blown pirate adventure.
This year The Dolmen will be playing a sell-out gig aboard the historic galleon Nao Victoria on Friday evening, 3rd October, and there are rumours that the ghost of Weymouth’s first Mayor, the notorious pirate Hugh Randall, may be walking its decks that night! With the Old time Sailors frequenting the Pavilion Theatre and live music in many of the town’s local hostelries, launch night is set to be the town’s best yet!
During the weekend, the Nao Victoria will not be alone within the harbour. Weymouth’s own tall ship The Moonfleet will also be gracing the quayside with her presence!
From intimate gatherings in The Pirates Keep to huge parades throughout the town, Weymouth Pirate Fest has developed into a major event on the South Coast. The Dolmen’s pirate-inspired albums – Spirits of the Sea, Storm, and most recently Devils Crest – provide the soundtrack for what is now a vibrant weekend of music, costumes, and family fun.
In 2025, expect:
Friday evening:
- The Dolmen play aboard the historic galleon, Nao Victoria, The Old Time Sailors entertain in the Pavilion theatre as well as copious shenanigans throughout the town!
Saturday/Sunday:
- The traditional Pirate Parade, led by drummers through Weymouth’s streets.
- Live music, re-enactments and entertainment from The Dolmen and fellow bands and buskers throughout the streets.
- A lively programme of pirate storytelling, history talks, humour, and mayhem in many venues across the town.
- Children’s activities at various venues including The Nothe Forte, Palm house and Library
- The chance for everyone to don ribbons, sashes, and sea-faring finery.
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.”
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.”
Weymouth Pirate Fest 2025 will once again transform the town into a hub of pirate revelry. Keep an eye on the official Weymouth Pirate Fest, Dolmen Pirate Parlay and The Dolmen facebook pages, as well as visiting weymouthpiratefest.com for full official event listings and announcements as well as weareweymouth.co.uk for town-wide pirate activities.
With many thanks to all the amazing sponsors as well as the wonderful volunteers who work hard to make the Weymouth Pirate Festival great! And we mustn’t forget the visiting crews! Huzzahhh!!!
