Arr me hearty's it’s time for Poole's annual Pirate festival. With Harry Paye 2024 fast approaching dust off your inner pirate, and remember the legend that is Harry Paye. The main event is on Saturday 15th June, with the shenanigans beginning at 12 noon. Harry Paye was a privateer pirate employed by King Henry the 4th . He sailed the...

Arr me O’l land lovers, it be time to take up the cutlass and fly the Jolly Rodger with pride. Harry Paye Day 2023 is upon us.. Our gentleman pirate Harry Paye, needs you! It's time to take up arms and defend our shores from French and Spanish invaders. It is time to protect and pay tribute to our beloved...

Harry Paye Day parade is back! Like a lot of things 2022 sees the return of many events that have been cancelled over the last 2 years. Harry Paye Day is no exception. On Saturday the 18th of June sees the parade of pirates on Poole quay. Who is Harry Paye?  Harry Paye, was a privateer and smuggler from Poole, Dorset in the late 14th and early 15th...

Did you know June the 17th 2017 is Harry Paye Day? An annual event that happens in Poole dedicated to the famous pirate Harry Paye! Who is Harry Paye? 'A good 200 years before the likes of Blackbeard, Captain Flynn, Long John Silver, Charles Vane, etc all of whom are portrayed fantastically in the series ‘Black Sails’ (If you haven’t watched...

Avast! Possibly one of the best and most comical international days has to be Talk Like A Pirate day! We all do it now and then, whether we like to admit it or not, but on September 19th you can say it loud and proud! What’s It All About? Well in 1995 two men with little to no skill in racquetball began to encourage each other by shouting piratey encouragement and mild insults during a game. They enjoyed it so much that they decided then and there that there should be a holiday where everyone has to talk like a pirate! For seven years John Baur and Mark Summers celebrated their holiday between themselves and friends, until they chanced upon the e-mail of a man they wanted to be the spokesman for their event, Dave Barry. In 2002, after a cheeky e-mail correspondence, they manage to get him hooked! After having their event published by the well known columnist, their event took off! Continue reading →

Arrrr! It’s that time of year again land lubbers! The Pirates of Poole are taking over the Quay for Harry Paye Day! The Pirates of Poole are a local community group who strive to keep the maritime history of Poole alive and they also hold events to raise money for local charities and causes. In 2006 they began an event to celebrate Poole’s most famous and notorious pirate of all and thus Harry Paye Day was born! The day was such a success that it became an annual celebration. Who Was Harry Paye? Harry Paye certainly made a name for himself in the 15th Century, so much so that you still hear the tales to this day. Both Paye and his ship, the Mary , appear in the Kings records as being a transport to Spain, but the Spaniards marked him as a thief. He is said to have stolen the gold cross from the Church of Finisterre... We wouldn’t put it past him! Paye became notorious for burning the Spanish city of Gijion, home of his lover Countess Isabel. All of his terrible escapades drove the Spanish to seek revenge on the dreaded Arripaye! In 1405 passing Spanish and French Galleys discovered that Poole was the home of their nemesis and unleashed a deadly fighting force upon the town. When Harry Paye got wind of destruction to his home and that his brother fell in the horrific battle, he took action! He gathered a fleet of ships and captured French and Spanish cargo vessels, seizing copious amounts of booty, including rather of lot of high quality wine. Paye took the cargo back to Poole and shared it with the town’s people in hope that it would ease the suffering that he bought to them. According to the stories they feasted and drank for days after. Continue reading →

Hollywood Fancy Dress Are Taking Poole By Storm! The Hollywood family continues to grow and expand as we open a brand new store at the heart of Poole in The Dolphin Centre. Come along and support us at our grand opening on Saturday 29th August from 10am. There will be plenty of goodies up for grabs so don't miss out...

Harry Paye Day Dust off your pirate hats and don your boots me hearties because on the 21st June Poole Quay will be brimming with pirates from far and wide in celebration of Harry Paye Day! Harry Paye day is an annual celebration held in honour of the renowned Poole pirate, made famous by his raids on French and Spanish...

Every year Poole Quay celebrate Harry Paye, the most famous swashbuckling resident of the harbour town quay with a ginormous parade of pirates. Everyone descends upon the quay dressed as pirates to witness the event, theres also stalls, activities and a best dressed  competition! So if your stuck for what to do June 15th then pop into Hollywood, Pirate up and...