Pirates plan to plunder Kent’s treasure island with a massive water-bomb fight this weekend.

The Sheppey Pirates, who for years organised the World Walking the Plank championships at Queenborough, have thrown their plank overboard and replaced it with a stash of water-bombs. They aim to take over Sheppey during a free Meet the Pirates Weekend on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4.

Led by Captain Cutlass, the buccaneers will be pitching their tents at the 40-acre Barton’s Point Coastal Park, near Sheerness, on Saturday.

From 11am to 4pm there will be demonstrations of musket ball making, sword fighting, a kiddies’ pirates chase and fancy dress competition for children and adults followed by cannon and musket-firing demonstrations.

From 7pm visitors can join the fun and party like a pirate with open-air disco and live music from Rolling Stones tribute act Stoned, old rockers the Wrinklies, Signals Red, Steampunk Morris and members of the Sheppey Folk and Blues Club.

The music is free but tickets for a hog roast and a pint of grog cost £10. A donation will be made to the RNLI.

On Sunday the pirates will try to land their fleet of rowing boats on the shore of the lake at 1pm armed with freshly-made water-bombs. Children aged up to 13 will be needed to defend the island.

Captain Cutlass said: “We have held children’s days at Barton’s Point before but this year we are pulling out all the stops. Next year we want to attempt the world record for the biggest water-bomb fight so we see this as a warm-up.”

The day will include water-jousting, a giant tug-of-war contest and cannon and musket-firing demonstrations. There will be fun fair games and rides and the big top of Santus Circus will also be pitched on the site over the weekend.

To book Saturday hog roast tickets, or to camp with the pirates, call 07909 994196 or visit www.bartonspoint coastalpark.co.uk

Pitches for tents of up to six people cost £10 (£2 per person for over six). Barton’s Point Coastal Park is at Marine Parade, near Sheerness.