Harry Paye Day June 2016
Avast me harties! Tis time for land lubbers to dig out yer eye patch, earring and cutlass for Poole’s annual celebration of its favourite pirate son Harry Paye.
Harry Paye Day is an annual event where the townsfolk of Poole and many from across the lands don their Pirate outfits and celebrate the day Harry Paye took revenge for the attack on Poole back in 1405.
Organised by the Pirates of Poole and supported by Poole Tourism, this is one of the local highlights of our year and starts with a blast of cannons, followed by a parade of Pirates along Poole Quay. Visitors also got the chance to watch cannon and musket displays followed by belly dancers, or tried their luck on the traditional Aunt Sally stall.
The streets were busy, the pubs were full and there were a few stalls dotted about selling pirate themed goodies, or offering the chance to win a treat, with all money raised going to local Poole charities.
There were three live bands playing throughout the day and the kids had fun dancing along to Spider Pig.
I have to admit we were a little disappointed as there was a lot less to see and do than there had been in previous years, although the kids were over the moon to be allowed to clamber onboard a Fire Engine.
There were a few people, other than those that took part in the parade, in fancy dress that really got involved in the pirate atmosphere with pirate conversations and banter but overall there was just not enough going on to keep us there for more than an hour.
Disappointed, we left the quay behind and headed back along the path towards Baiter Park.
The great thing about where we live though, is it is by the water and the kids love nothing more than paddling or throwing stones and seeing who can make the biggest ‘plop’ or skim the farthest.
Despite being a gloomy day, the water was still and unbelievably clear, meaning we could spot fish and crabs going about their business below the waterline.
It may not have been the day out we had planned but we had lots of fun wandering along the harbourside, watching the boats and the wildlife.
Fingers crossed the event is back to its best next year.
Have you been to a local event recently?
Louise
Sounds like you had a fun time, even if it wasn’t as good as last year. You are lucky living near the sea x
The Mummy Diary
Oh wow, this makes me so jealous as i’d love to live near the sea. We are pretty much as far away from the sea as you can get here in Nottingham. I love local events like this, such a great way to get children involved in heritage and passing on knowledge of the past, it’s just a shame it wasn’t as good as previous years. I think the harbour side and stone throwing would more than make up for it though.
sarie
Your kids are so very cute! I have been to a nice music festival in the park and can’t wait for the summer street parties to begin here. It is also San Joan on friday so can’t wait (catalan fireworks day!)
Dean of Little Steps
This looks like such a fun event to take part in! T will love this even though she’s outgrown her pirate stage. I think even the grown ups will love it too. And I’m glad in spite the grey clouds hovering, it stayed dry.
Talya
Wow what a fab event! My little girl would have loved this as she is massively into pirates.
Charlotte
Ah looks like a great event to be involved in. I love pirating and it must have been so much fun for the kids (and the adults!).
The Blonde B
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo
We love going to local events like this and went to a pirate festival last year too. Shame the weather wasn’t great, it’s been a rubbish start to summer here in the south of France as well.
Jen Walshaw
It is a shame that it wasn’t as good as last year, but you are so lucky to live in an area that has all this fun stuff to go to.
Fritha Strickland
i love their little masks! its a shame there wasn’t much on but sounds like you made the most of it! x
Rachel
This looks like such an amazing day, so much fun x
Fashion and Style Police
Looks like a good day out. I haven’t planned any trips but have a few in mind for the summer.
Cass@frugalfamily
I love that you’re always somewhere different with your family – they’re very lucky to have you x
Grant R
That’s a shame that it didn’t meet the high standards set by previous years but you’re lucky to have the beach close by! 🙂
Kerry Norris
This looks like a fun day out. I’ve never heard of it. We haven’t been to a local event for a while. We seem to be away everytime our area has one x
Michelle Twin Mum
What fun, we have a pirate festival locally here too. Mich x
Lindsay At Newcastle Family Life
It looks like a fun family event, we have nothing like this here in Newcastle x
Nichola - Globalmouse
Ah shame there wasn’t so much going on but it still looks like a fun day out – anything with pirates in would have my three wanting to be there!
Alina
That looks like so much fun, not only for kids but I’d love to go haha. Loving that black pirate teddy too haha. Your children are adorable 🙂 (no events around my area, or rather none that I know of as I don’t have kids!)
Alina from The Fairytale Pretty Picture
Ana De- Jesus
Oh no sorry to hear there was more to do last year. I have to admit I never knew a Harry Paye day existed but what a great cause for celebration!
Where To Next Kids?
I love the idea of this celebration, and it does look a lot of fun. I hope it gets in full swing next year for you
Jodie Marie
This sounds like such a crazy fun tradition! At least the kids had fun with the fire engine, even if the celebrations weren’t as grand as previous years x