CONWY castle and harbour will be under siege this weekend when a flotilla of mutineers, scoundrels and salty sea dogs sail into town.

Buccaneers of all shapes and sizes have been spied on the horizon and are expected to descend on the quay once again for a second swashbuckling raid as part of the Original Conwy Pirate Festival (OCPF) on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday 2.

In a first for the free event - which has been held since 2012 under the name 'Conwy Pirate Weekend' before being relocated to Rhos-on-Sea by organisers HTC events last year - the town will see an organised resistance from a militia of land lubbers, who will battle the pirates at Conwy Castle and on the harbour.

North Wales Pioneer:

This year will feature a militia attempting to repel the salty invaders. Picture: Dave Thomas

Founder of the original festival, Toby Tunstall said: "When we started in 2012, I've always wanted there to be a militia in the town to battle with the pirates.

"The Mayor of Conwy cllr Goronwy Edwards has sent a rider to the palace and the militia has been raised and ordered to make haste with artillery to Conwy from far and wide to defend the quay, man the great Castle of Conwy and to guard other important houses in the town."

North Wales Pioneer:

The black pirate cutter 'Vilma' has been spotted off Conwy's shores. Picture: Dave Thomas

Visitors can witness a spectacular raid and cannon battle on both days, with the pirates coming ashore from the black cutter 'Vilma' at 10.30 and on Saturday, and 11am on Sunday.

Amid the invasion, children taken with a life of adventure on the high seas can now become certified pirates by completing a series of themed games spread out across the quay.

While last year's first OCPF was successfully organised with just three weeks notice, this year's shindig will be bigger and better than ever, with a whole host of entertainment on show.

Kimberley Edmunds, who is part of the organising group, said: "We have a lot more entertainment coming this year, including belly dancing, the Port Sunlight Sea Dogs shanty singers, fire performers and magic and juggling.

"The market area has also expanded, with more stalls there and a few new and interesting ones never before seen in Conwy."

While the event - which is funded by the town's businesses and is supported by Conwy County Borough Council, Conwy Town Council and Cadw - is free, there will be collection throughout the day with half of the proceeds going to the RNLI and the other half to next year's festival.

There will also be a launch party held at the Bluebell, on Castle Street, on Friday, May 31 at 7pm featuring the Wee Bag Band.

For a weekend of high spirits with sensational seafarers, head to Conwy on this weekend. For more information visit conwypirates.com.