Pirates and Mermaids at Annan Harbour
The much-loved Annan Harbour Festival returns on Saturday 19 September, from 10am to 4pm, with a special Pirates and Mermaids theme.
Come along to Annan Harbour for a fun family day of music and live performances, local stalls, food and refreshments, ice cream, crafts and activities for all ages. Fancy dress is encouraged, so dig out your best pirate or mermaid outfit and join us for some fun.
This year’s Festival is held in memory of our friend Captain Roy Kerr, captain of the tall ship La Malouine and one of Dumfries and Galloway’s much-loved characters. La Malouine was always a favourite at many local festivals and a much-loved part of the Annan Harbour Festival too, with Roy welcoming ‘pirates’ of all ages on board.
The Pirates and Mermaids Costume Parade will take place from 1pm, with prizes for the best-dressed pirates and mermaids.
This year sees the introduction of the Captain Roy Prize for Best Dressed Pirate, in memory of Roy Kerr. The competition will be judged by his daughter, Pam Halliday. There will also be prizes for the best-dressed mermaids.
The winning design from the Pirate Flag Competition will be displayed at the Festival, with the winner announced during the afternoon. There will be plenty to keep children and families busy throughout the day, including:
- Kids pizza-making workshops with Minaudough’s Neapolitan Pizzas from 10am to 11.30am. Booking is essential
- Small wooden pirate boat making from 11am to 3pm. Drop-in, no booking required.
- T-shirt painting with the Bereginya Group from 12pm to 4pm. Drop-in, no booking required.
- Fun activities from Cubby Construction – Sea-Struction Crafts, Construction Bingo, Treasure Dig Site.
- Pirate ship decorating and face painting throughout the day.
Enjoy live music and performances throughout the day, with Lewis Shaw as MC, including Piper Callum Watson, Burgh Ukulele, The Solway SheGulls, Catherine Jardine and Cairn Chorus.
There will also be plenty to explore around the harbour, with local crafters, makers, producers and community organisations, as well as food, refreshments and ice cream.
A COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
Held each September at the historic Annan Harbour, the Festival brings together local people, visitors, community groups, businesses, makers and organisations for a day of entertainment, creativity and family fun. This year’s Festival is generously supported by Cubby Construction, the main contractor delivering the £15.65 million Annan Harbour regeneration project.
We are grateful to Cubby Construction and all of our partners, volunteers, performers, stallholders and supporters for helping make the Festival possible.
- Saturday 19 September 2026
- 10am-4pm
- Annan Harbour, Port Street
- Free entry
- Come dressed as a pirate or mermaid, bring your family and friends, and enjoy a day at Annan Harbour.
Programme subject to change.
