Thousands of people enjoyed the thrills which included displays of sword fighting, the firing of an 18th Century cannon, musket firing and drill displays with plenty of audience participation thrown in too.

Treasure Island was brought to life by the Storytellers Theatre while the Inner State Theatre performed Cooking Up A Storm – a story of the famous explorer Captain James Cook's exploits seen through the eyes of his mother.

Throughout the weekend the Abbey and Living History encampment was ope, allowing people to catch a glimpse of what life was like in the past.

The pirate-themed activities continue this week in Whitby Abbey's Pirate Pavilion, where a costumed story-teller will tell salty stories from 11am to 4pm each day until Sunday.

Jamie Marshall, visitor operations manager at the abbey, said it had been a successful weekend,

"There were lots of happy families and smiling faces," he said.