HUNDREDS of revellers have packed out Poole Quay for Harry Paye Day yesterday.

The town celebrated its favourite pirate son with a host of family-friendly events on the quay.

Organised by the Pirates of Poole and supported by Poole Tourism, the popular shindig started at midday with the Parade of Pirates along Poole Quay.

Mayor of Poole Cllr Xena Dion even judged the Pirate Fancy Dress contest.

Visitors got the chance to watch cannon and musket displays followed by belly dancers, or tried their luck on the traditional Aunt Sally stall.

There was also plenty for children with a fancy dress competition, rides, a teddy bear stall and face painting.

Gary Christopher, of Pirates of Poole, said Paye earned his notoriety after seizing 30,000 gallons of wine from French and Spanish ships during the 15th century.

“Harry Paye sailed across the channel and stole a gold cross from a church in France.

“To get their own back, they came here and burned Poole to the ground and killed his brother.”

Seeking his revenge, Harry Paye, who had been away with the British fleet at the time of the attack, seized over 100 French and Spanish vessels in the channel.

He brought back 30,000 gallons of red wine and that’s where Harry Paye Day came from.

Poole Quay will be closed to traffic until 7pm on Saturday.

This year Harry Paye Daye is helping to raise money for local Poole charities Montacute School and Knoticat, a sailing charity providing trips for people with disabilities and their families.