Shiver me timbers! Wells Pirate Festival is on the horizon

Wells Pirate Festival 2014 is taking place on the 12-14th September - Pirates Beverley Els is ready for battle. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

Wells Pirate Festival is the annual fundraiser for Wells Maltings Trust which is raising money to transform the Maltings building in Wells into an exciting new arts, heritage and community facility.

The event starts on Friday, September 12 with The Smugglers Ball returning for the fourth year.

Tickets, costing £15, are on sale now from the Wells Tourist Information Centre on Staithe Street or telephone the staff on 01328 710885 (strictly 18-plus).

There will be fish and chips from Frenchs, a rum cocktail on arrival and live music from The Yow Yows.

Wells Pirate Festival 2014 is taking place on the 12-14th September - The pirates get ready, from left, George Shipley, Beverley Els, Becky Jefcoate, Tonya Sizeland, Macey Curtis, Joyce Trett and Ben Francis. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

On Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14, the pirate camp is set up on the Buttlands with a children's activity tent, bouncy castle, balloon race, face painting, storyteller, lantern workshop, and best-dressed pirate competition.

In the Maltings there is a pirate market and other activities. Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy Film will be shown at 2pm in the Granary Theatre.

At 5pm on the Saturday, the Pirate Parade will wind its way down Staithe Street to the Quay for the lighting of the beacon to tell everyone that the pirates are here.

At the Tourist Information Centre there are more stalls and heritage walks, as well as a ghost walk at 9.45pm on the Saturday.

Wells Pirate Festival 2014 is taking place on the 12-14th September - Pirate Ben Francis storms the beach. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

Sunday also sees the Wells Triathlon take place at the Quay.

There will be live music playing throughout the event as well as boat trips from the Quay.

To get you in the pirate mood there is a treasure challenge available now from the post office.

• For more information, contact Pirate HQ on 01328 839000 or 01328 711378 or email info@wellspiratefestival.co.uk. Further information and timings are available on the website www.wellspiratefestival.co.uk

Wells Pirate Festival 2014 is taking place on the 12-14th September - The pirates get ready, from left, Macey Curtis and Oscar Curtis. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)