THE second Purbeck Pirate Festival is coming to Swanage Pier this weekend.

Thousands of people are expected at the event, which attracted 18,000 people last year.

This year's festival - organised by Swanage Pier Trust & Swanage and Purbeck Rotary - will raise funds for The Save Swanage Pier Appeal and the Purbeck Admiral Nurse Appeal.

Attractions this year include battle re-enactments, sword fighting, music, a pirate rum tent, BBQ and local produce stalls.

Jax Sparrow - leading Jack Sparrow impersonator - will also be entertaining the crowds.

An event spokesman said: "The festival will feature shanty singers ‘Kelp!’ and the ‘Wareham Whalers’ - along with live music from The Swanage Jazz Machine, One Night Standing and The Folk Orc.

"The music will continue with Jurassic Rock 'n' Roll and a DJ until late on Saturday in Prince Albert Gardens.

On Friday evening and Saturday Swanage Pier will also welcome back the frigate Shtandart - an exact replica of the Russian navy ship commissioned and sailed by Tzar Peter the Great.

The festival starts on Friday evening (JUNE 30), continuing throughout Saturday (JULY 1) and Sunday. (JULY 2)