A PACKED weekend of fun for all the family gets under way tonight with the launch of Liverpool’s On the Waterfront festival.

The events all take place around the city’s world-famous waterfront, with much of the action centred on six historic vessels berthed at the Albert Dock.

One of the main highlights of the weekend is Sunday’s second International Mersey Pirate Muster, which gets under way from 11am.

The free family fun day includes a world record breaking attempt at the biggest gathering of pirates in any one place at the Big Wheel at 1.45pm.

Among the celebrity pirates taking part in the event are BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Billy Butler, along with his pals, ex-Brooksider Dean Sullivan and local comedian Micky Finn.

The attempt to smash the world record will also help raise money for the Daily Post- backed charity, Liverpool Unites.

Dean Sullivan will “hi-jack” the Mersey Ferries tannoy for the day from 11am to 3pm, while Micky Finn will perform a free show at the Pump House pub at 5pm.

Micky said: “It’s great that Pirate Day can capture all ages. My event will be full of Mersey memories.”

The pirate muster also includes a treasure trail, music, comedy and maritime mayhem with a full Pirate Battle from 3pm to 4pm.

This will see tall ships battle for Liverpool’s lost treasure in the “siege of Canning Dock”, and will feature loud cannon and musket fire.

This year, the Muster will also involve Mersey Ferries, Fort Perch Rock and Woodside Ferry Terminal.

Cathy Roberts, Mersey Pirate Muster co-founder and organiser with Paul Miller, said: “This will be Liverpool’s most pirate-y event ever.

“Whatever your age, as long as you wear some pirate clothing – hats, T-shirts or cutlasses, or even a parrot – you can take part in the Guinness World Record attempt.”

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Hazel Williams, added: “With a fair wind, I’m sure we can muster enough pirates to capture this swashbuckling claim to fame and sail into the Guinness Book of Records.’’