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Every June, Poole Quay is awash with pirates whilst the sound of cannons and sea shanties drifts across the harbourside for the annual celebration of Harry Paye Day. Around 10,000 visitors descend upon the quay annually, many in fancy dress, to enjoy the festivities and maybe partake of a rum or two.

The day starts with firing of cannons followed by a parade of pirates, a pirate fancy dress competition, live music, entertainment and food and drink, including, as already mentioned, plenty of rum. The festival is organised by the Pirates of Poole; an organisation which was founded in 1926 to keep the town’s maritime history alive whilst raising money for charity and having fun in the process.

How to get to Harry Paye Pirate Day

The event takes place on Poole Quay at the southern end of the High Street. Poole is 7 miles west of Bournemouth along the A338/A35.

By Bus

If you don’t want to fight 10,000 people for a parking spot, most bus services to Poole stop at the Bus Station, around a 10 minute walk from the quay. There are also regular train services to Poole Station, also a 10 minute walk away.

Parking

Poole Quay has its own car park: Quay Visitors Multi-storey Car Park. Although this is a popular event, so finding a space may not be easy. Parking costs £2.50 for 2 hours. Further details can be found here.

Date

The event takes runs from midday until 6 pm, starting with the pirate parade along the quay. Dates are as follows:

• 2025 – Saturday 14th June
• 2026 -TBA

Price

Harry Paye Day is a free event.

History of Harry Paye

In case you’re wondering who Harry Paye is, think Jack Sparrow crossed with Robin Hood and you’re not far off. Paye was a pirate and adventurer from Poole. He lived around 600 years ago and spent his time sailing up and down the coast, attacking hundreds of French and Spanish ships and bringing his looted goods of gold, wine and exotic foodstuffs back to share with the residents of Poole.

In addition to plundering ships, he burned down towns and took prisoners for ransom. His escapades made him a hero in his home town, but the French and Spanish weren’t so enamoured.

In 1405, a combined French and Spanish fleet attacked Poole in retaliation for Paye’s raids. They looted and set fire to buildings before being driven back to their ships by the townspeople. Paye was away at the time, but many people, including his brother, were killed during the raid. Paye swore revenge (Paye-back, you could say) and set about capturing a fleet of French ships with a cargo of 12,000 gallons of wine, which he brought back for the people of Poole. Legend has it that the entire town was drunk for a month and they have celebrated Harry Paye Day ever since (well, almost).

Pirate Parade

Upon the first firing of the cannons, the celebrations start with a Parade of Pirates along the quayside, led by the Mayor.

Entertainment

Then on with the entertainment, pirate themed of course, with plenty of sea shanties.

As well as the singing, there is other entertainment such as belly dancing and Pirate Zumba – who knew that was a thing?

Oh, and of course plenty of rum…

Harry Paye Day for Children

Harry Paye Day is a popular family event. Activities for children include a fancy dress competition, treasure hunt, fairground rides and face painting.

Note: The cannons fire every hour, which could scare younger children.

• Updated: June 2025

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.