Weymouth Pirate Fest has an incredible and colourful history. Its seed was sown by Mark Vine as far back as 1994 as part of Weymouth's hosting of the Tall Ships Race, and then again for Weymouth's Waterfest 2000. 

Not long later there was a happy meeting of minds, those of Mark Vine and singer/songwriter Taloch Jameson of The Dolmen, and following some amazing heritage-based collaborations, including the highly applauded 'Crabchurch Conspiracy' album based on Mark's book on the Battle of Weymouth 1645, a new adventure appeared on the horizon in the forms of smuggling and, inevitably, piracy!

Born of that success, Mark and Taloch had set on their voyage once more, and 2011 saw the feverish writing of some wild and beautiful music and songs inspired by true tales of pirates of the Golden Age, and songs based on the lives of rascals and rogues of the sea were to become another album, 'Spirits of the Sea', to add to The Dolmen's catalogue of original music, with artist Sem Vine producing the artwork and imagery of this new and exciting adventure.

What followed has become legend. 

The first gatherings were known as 'The Pirates Keep', where the band performed this new music that was full of life, legend and energy as well as incorporating a fantastic catalogue of their past original and traditional folk rock songs.

Mark got busy researching and writing a whole plethora of true tales, and a host of willing pirates were happy to narrate some humorous as well as downright 'orrible tales from the Golden Age and earlier. 

The concept grew as Pirate Keeps, Parlays and full blown Festivals over the years that followed, sometimes being held several times a year, with the band and a whole tribe of drummers leading a Parade through the streets. 

A second album, 'Storm', soon appeared, and a third 'Devils Crest' completed a pirate trilogy in 2023.

The Dolmen took the concept with them to the European mainland where they won acclaim and appreciation, and a loyal following who still travel for Weymouth Pirate Fest as it is today. 

From what began as an evening event, had grown into a day, then a whole, long and wonderful weekend, and Weymouth Pirate Fest was born.