Avast! The Sheppey Pirates are fighting back and have secured a new venue for their 25th anniversary bash.

The bunch of brigands' annual landing, invasion and giant water fight at Barton's Point Coastal Park, Sheerness, in August was scuppered when leaseholder Mandy Shade cancelled the event claiming it was getting too big for her.

But now Sheppey Rugby Club has come to the pirates' aid and offered its field in Lower Road, Minster.

Pirates' spokesman Anne Bonny, alias June Collins who is married to piratical leader Captain Cutlass (Ada Collins), said: "We are over the moon.

"The rugby club was the first of many organisations to offer help but we couldn't say anything until we had everything in writing.

"There have been many frantic discussions going on behind the scenes.

"We were devastated when the landing was cancelled but we still wanted to celebrate our silver anniversary.

"We have been overwhelmed by offers of help. This Island is such a fantastic community."

She also praised Swale council.

She said: "Officers have been superb in helping to get all the event licences in place."

However, she stressed: "There won't be a landing or water fight. But we will be offering a living history camp and arena events."

All the bands booked for Barton's Point have agreed to play at the rugby club.

The new event will be called the Sheppey Pirates' Pitch Party and will take place on Saturday, August 4.

The fun will kick off on the Friday night, August 3 with a free open-air film show presented by SEAL - the Sheerness Enhancement Association for Leisure.

The bands will play on Saturday along with the BRfm Radio Roadshow hosted by Tracy Topsom of DTS Events.

Shaken Albert, who made their public debut at last year's event, will headline.

The line-up will be:

2.30pm White Diamonds Band

3.45pm More Than Human

5pm Smokin' Mavericks

6.15pm The First Order

7.30pm The What If Generation

8.45pm Shaken Albert

Admission is free.

* An Unofficial Pirates Picnic which was going to be held in conjunction with the Sheppey Miniature Model Engineering Society at its model railway line at Barton's Point was cancelled last night as soon as the pirates announced details of the rugby club deal.

For camping information, call the ruby club on 01795 872082.