DESPITE a washout more fitting of the high seas than Caldicot Castle, the second day of the South Wales Pirate Festival went off with a number of large bangs.

The festival is celebrating its second year after taking place at Raglan Castle near Usk last year for its debut.

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Some of the most famous faces from the world of piracy converged on Monmouthshire, while other visitors created their own pirate aliases.

“I’ve always had an interest in pirates since I was young – I think that is fairly common among most children,” said Ryan Skinner, visiting from Exeter.

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“You love them, you loathe them but thanks to the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, I re-discovered my appreciation for pirates.”

At just after 11am, the pirates faced off against redcoats – both groups played by actors and aficionados – in the skirmish, which involved cannons and pistols, as well as bayonets.

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Mr Skinner, who is also known by his pirate name of ‘Atrox Pirata’ or Atrocious Pirate in Latin, believes the festival is suitable for kids of all ages.

“I think the festival is a fantastic idea – it gets families together and it is something for kids and adults to enjoy together,” he added.

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In addition to the skirmishes, Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise made a guest appearance.

Event organisers added that more than 50 actors from across the world will be taking part in the swashbuckling fun, which also includes living history displays from the 17th and 18th centuries.

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“Even if it is raining, it is a great day out for the children,” said Emma Doyle, from Brecon.

“All the kids have big smiles on their faces and even some of the bigger ones among them do as well.

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“It’s a wonderful idea and credit to all the organisers as it must take a lot of effort to find all these items. I wouldn’t know where to find a cannon or all these old pistols.”

The three-day festival started on Friday, August 19 and will finish on Sunday, and for more information, visit southwalespirates.co.uk.

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