Mevagissey 2025 Shanty Festival (17th–19th October): What Makes It So Popular Every Year?

Festival returns this October

The Mevagissey Shanty Festival is returning from 17th to 19th October 2025, bringing sea songs, community spirit and thousands of visitors back to the harbour town. First launched in 2019 by Tristan Netherton, the annual event was created to boost the local economy at a quieter time of year and to raise funds for local projects.

Since it began, the festival has contributed £14,000 to causes including new access to the beach at the harbour—showing that the weekend of singing delivers more than just entertainment.

📷The general atmosphere of the Mevagissey Shanty Festival

Performers from across the UK and beyond

Each year, the festival features around 65 different groups across the three days. Acts from previous line-ups include Stuns’ls, Toby Webb, Bryher’s Boys, Du Hag Owr, Bencoolen Wreckers, Short Drag Roger, ACapella Moonshine, Armstrongs Patent, Mel Babb and various choirs.

Venues are based in both Mevagissey and Pentewan, with a bus service helping visitors move between the two locations. The festival attracts a footfall of around 7,000 people over the weekend.

While it can’t rival the larger funding of other festivals, performers often praise Mevagissey’s event for being “far more intimate, well organised and great fun.”

Keltek Brewery sponsors 2025 edition

The 2025 event is once again supported by Keltek Cornish Brewery. Registration for performers is now open via the festival’s Facebook page.

📷The fabulous Armstrongs Patent in The Fountain

April fundraiser announced

To help fund the main event, ticketed fundraisers are held from April onwards. One of the first is scheduled for Saturday 12th April 2025 at Jubilee Hall, Mevagissey. Tickets are £12 and the evening will feature performances from:

• Shanty Sam Wheatley – A solo act singing classic and original shanties, returning after appearances at several 2024 shanty festivals.

• ACapella Moonshine – A women’s group inspired by the sea and the lives of women connected to it.

• Months Advance – Emily and Josh blend originals with traditional sailing songs, telling stories of Jack Tars and pressed tailors.

Doors open at 7pm, with singing from 7.30pm to 11pm. A bar will be open, and pasties are available to pre-order. Tickets and more information can be found at mevashantyfest.co.uk.

Local music, real impact

The combination of traditional music and a focus on community benefits continues to drive the popularity of Mevagissey’s annual shanty celebration. As the 2025 event takes shape, locals and visitors alike can expect another weekend of music, laughter and local pride.