The 20th Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival – June 14th-16th, 2024

For two decades, the vibrant port of Falmouth has hosted the International Sea Shanty Festival, transforming the town into the largest free nautical event in Europe.

From June 14th to 16th, 2024, the festival will welcome over 50,000 visitors to witness more than 80 sea shanty groups from around the globe. Performances will be held across stages, cafes, pubs, hotels, and community venues, celebrating the rich heritage and culture of maritime song.

A Diverse and Inclusive Celebration

While traditional male-dominated groups continue to perform, the festival now embraces a diverse array of demographics. Younger, LGBTQ+, female, and international groups are infusing fresh interpretations into sea shanty singing, reflecting a broader evolution of the tradition. This inclusivity adds a unique vibrancy to the event, showcasing the ever-changing nature of maritime melodies.

Community and Support

The festival’s success is bolstered by the strong support of sponsors and partners, including The Greenbank Hotel, Seasalt Cornwall, Sharp’s Brewing Company, Falmouth Town Council, and South West Bars and Events. The Falmouth Business Improvement District (BID) provides vital public relations support. The local community, particularly volunteers, play a crucial role in organising and enhancing the festival, making it a cornerstone of Falmouth’s cultural calendar and a significant contributor to the local economy.

Accommodation and Economic Impact

The festival’s growing popularity means that accommodation in Falmouth and surrounding areas is in high demand. The influx of national and international visitors provides essential economic benefits to local businesses, especially in these challenging times. The festival’s global reach and local impact make it a truly ‘glocal’ event.

Exciting Events at the 2024 Festival

The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival promises an array of captivating performances and events. Highlights include the unique sounds of Brise-Glace from Canada, the groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ choir Seaweed in the Fruit Locker, the long-standing favourites Rum & Shrub, and the harmonious melodies of Kessanyan. These diverse groups showcase the festival’s rich tradition and evolving inclusivity, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Brise-Glace

Brise-Glace, a maritime folk band from Montreal, Quebec, is this year’s furthest-travelled group. Comprising two Bretons and two Quebecers, their performances blend Breton shanties and Quebec folk music with influences from Cajun, American folk, Irish, Scottish, Eastern European, and Pacific music. Their vibrant mix of instruments and four-part harmonies promises a unique and captivating experience.

Seaweed in the Fruit Locker

Led by Plymouth-based artist Rhys Morgan, the LGBTQIA+ sea shanty choir Seaweed in the Fruit Locker brings a fresh perspective to the tradition. Inspired by Morgan’s coastal upbringing and exploring queer themes within seafaring history, the group’s repertoire includes reworked shanties that highlight both historical challenges and contemporary LGBTQIA+ issues. This marks their debut at the festival as the first LGBTQIA+ group to perform.

Rum & Shrub

Rum & Shrub, one of the festival’s original groups, has been performing together since 1991. Hailing from Cornwall, they are renowned for their lively renditions of shanties, sea songs, and folk songs. Their performances are inspired by a well-known local drink enjoyed by smugglers, adding a touch of local flavour to their international acclaim.

Kessanyan

Kessanyan, a three-part harmony group from Redruth, Cornwall, features Harry, Olly, and Ruby. Their repertoire includes sea shanties, sea songs, and songs from the English, Irish, and Scottish folk circuits. The group’s name, meaning harmony, perfectly encapsulates their musical style.

For a complete list of all the groups performing at the festival, please visit Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival Groups.

Looking Ahead

Festival chair Richard Gates highlighted the ongoing interest in sea shanty singing and the festival’s impact on Falmouth. “20 years on, the event continues to grow in both geographical and demographic reach. The variation of groups involved is incredible,” Gates said. Keven Ayres from the organising committee added, “The festival has grown from humble beginnings into a three-day event, reflecting its success and increasing popularity each year.”

For detailed festival information and the schedule, visit www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk. In keeping with tradition, the event will support and fundraise for the RNLI, celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea.