SHIVER me timbers! Conwy Pirate Festival which sailed back to the walled town over the Bank Holiday weekend has been hailed the "most successful ever". 

Pirates invaded Conwy for two days of swashbuckling fun on Sunday, May 7 and Monday, May 8. 

The annual gathering - which attracted thousands, many in fancy dress (there was eyepatches galore!) - featured a treasure hunt, barrel and keg race, music from international pirate super star Tom Mason, as well as the popular pirate attack.

North Wales Pioneer: Eight-month-old Arthur dressed in his homemade parrot outfit with his mother Frederika. Eight-month-old Arthur dressed in his homemade parrot outfit with his mother Frederika. (Image: All photos submitted by Rodney Davies / The Original Conwy Pirate Festival)

There was also a cannon game, skull shy, giant pirate bar skittles, a market and pirate ships. 

Russel Erwood, better known as The Conwy Jester and the new chairperson of the Conwy Chamber of Trade, said: “Trade in Conwy Town has been hit hard since the works started on the Llandudno Junction flyover. Visitor numbers are definitely down and businesses that are already struggling due to the cost of living are finding it even tougher because of it.

North Wales Pioneer: Cannons shook the quayside in Conwy!Cannons shook the quayside in Conwy! (Image: All photos submitted by Rodney Davies / Original Conwy Pirate Festival)

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“But this is why we continue to fight to put on events like The Original Conwy Pirate Festival. They are essential in bringing people into town and give it a boost just when we need it most.

“Because Pirates is a Chamber of Trade event it means we’re focused on doing as much as we can for the town and its businesses, which is why we don’t bring in traders from outside the area.”

North Wales Pioneer: Th pirate barrel and keg raceTh pirate barrel and keg race (Image: All photos submitted by Rodney Davies / The Original Conwy Pirate Festival 2023)

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The pirate festival is in its 10th year.

Jonathan Servaes of Glipso Woodworking, one of the festival's organisers and chief carpenter, said: “It’s been an amazing weekend. The hard work that everyone’s put in over the past year has really paid off.”

North Wales Pioneer: Conwy Pirate Festival 2023 attracted thousands! Many dressed up in Pirate fancy dressConwy Pirate Festival 2023 attracted thousands! Many dressed up in Pirate fancy dress (Image: All photos submitted by Rodney Davies / The Original Pirate Festival 2023)

Jonathan made and donated games for the pirate festival. 

“We wanted to create something fun for people to do that they won’t get chance to do anywhere else," he added.

North Wales Pioneer: Dancers impress! There was plenty of entertainment on offerDancers impress! There was plenty of entertainment on offer (Image: All photos submitted by Rodney Davies / The Original Conwy Pirate Festival)

"We wanted things that were affordable.

"Each of the games were only £1 to play and families seem to really appreciate that.”