A SWASHBUCKLING adventure comes to the Anderton Boat Lift in July for its Pirate Festival Weekend.

This action-packed family weekend – running from 10am Saturday, July 7 until 3.30pm on Sunday, July 8 - will be staged by The Pirate Brethren and feature real cannons being fired as well as tales of escapades from the high sea.

Stewart Gledhill - otherwise known as ‘Greybeard’ from The Pirate Brethren - said: “After the huge success of last year’s event, we can’t wait to return to the Anderton Boat Lift. We are hopeful about recruiting lots of red-blooded, daring young pirates to join us under the flag of the Jolly Roger.”

Visitors will be greeted with the dramatic firing of cannons followed by a weapon display on how to load and fire the cannons, pistols and Blunderbuss.

The day will end a pirate brawl in the tavern to test the skills picked up in pirate training.

Graham Wood, duty manager at the Anderton Boat Lift, said: “We are encouraging all our visitors to embrace their inner pirate on the grassy terraces of the magnificent Anderton Boat Lift.

“What’s even better is that there is no cost to either enter the site or take part in the fun – like last year, it promises to be a wonderful family day out for everyone.”

For more information, go to canalrivertrust.org.uk or call 01606 786777.