Land Ahoy! 9 must-see attractions at this weekend’s Pirates on the Dock

We’ve waited all summer for it and Pirate Festival on the Dock is finally here! The Albert Dock will come alive on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September with a thrilling live-action weekend, bursting with ships, cannons, fancy dress and tales of the high seas.

If you’re planning a weekend of maritime fun, check out our top 9 must-see activities at this years festival.

1 – Talk about authentic! Climb aboard The Daniel “Danny” Adamson steamship (11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.40pm and 4.40pm) – hear about the Pirate Princess with singing, dancing and games!

2 – Best Foot/Peg Leg forward and join in the Pirates and Mermaid Parade (starting at Hartley Quay, 12.30pm, Saturday only) – The Mermaid of Black Rock, who, according to local folklore appeared off the coast of north Wirral, will lead the cast of pirates, drummers and of course, members of the public in their best costumes, on a magical parade, inspired by the legendary Coney Island Mermaid Parade in America.

3 – The one and only, legendary children’s TV presenter, Dave Benson Phillips will be hosting a talent show at the Hartley Quay main stage at 1pm and 4pm. Make sure you bring your A game and your best Ahhhhhhhrrggghhh. If you remember Dave’s hilarious game show ‘Get Your Own Back’ you’ll know there’s a chance of getting gunged!

4 – Are your little ones full of rough and tumble? Then head to the Anchor Courtyard at 1;30pm and watch their faces light-up at Pirate combat in full swing. Sword fights and stunts galore!

Do you know the story of The Mermaid of Black Rock? Pull up a pew and listen to a tale of magic, mystery, and deception that will mesmerise children and adults alike (Hartley Quay main stage, 12 noon and 2pm)

5 – Get yourself a good spot around the central dock to take in the action-packed, Battle of the Pirates at 3pm and go wild cheering for your favourite pirate as the Liverpool privateers fight the bad guys. Lets have it!

6 – Polly Want A Cracker? Every pirate needs a trusty feathered friend to keep them on the straight and narrow. Keep you eyes peeled for brilliant falconry displays across the site plus musical performances, shanty songs and walkabout jugglers!

7 – Set sail for real as Mersey Ferries’ River Explorer Cruises host loads of ship-shape fun from 12noon to 5pm on Saturday only – plus kids in pirate fancy dress travel FREE (one child free with every full paying adult) on Saturday, September 10 only

8 – You’ll be looking for a good hearty meal after all that swash-buckling fun and no sea-side caper would be complete without a fish supper! Docklands Fish & Chips at The Colonnades will be serving up generous portions to fill even the hungriest of bellies. Or, why not finish off your day in true Pirate style and head to The Smugglers Cove for lashings of ice-cream (and a rum cocktail or two for mum and dad).

9 – Say Cheese, You’re the star of the show! We cant wait to see all the mini Pirates, Mermaids and Mythical sea creatures having a blast on the waterfront this weekend. If you’re on Twitter you can follow @theAlbertDock for updates over the weekend and tag all your photo’s using the hashtag #PirateDock16

Groups wanting to take part in the parade need to contact programming@fitthebill.com. Individuals can simply join in on the day. For more information on upcoming events at Albert Dock, please visit the Albert Dock website.