Festival Groups
Take a look at who will be performing at the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival in 2025!
With performances from 80+ groups across various venues, Falmouth is filled with songs of the sea at the three-day festival. There are groups from the UK as well as groups travelling from overseas to be part of the festival.
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ACapella Moonshine
When they made their first appearance at the Festival in 2014, this local group were the first all-female Shanty Group to take part.
They became the inspiration for the many female groups who now delight our audiences.
Since then, they have become seasoned performers; delighting audiences with their haunting harmonies, sense of fun, and rollicking rhythms.
They tell the stories of the sea and the lives of those who draw their living from it in a unique way, with lots of laughter and audience participation.
On the wider Shanty Circuit they are described as a “breath of fresh air”.
Aggie Boys Choir
The Aggie Boys Choir are your go to metamodern shanty ensemble, mixing traditional nautical folk with poetry, instrumentals and a benign attempt at comedy, the group are like none you shall see in Falmouth this year. The band has had many incarnations and were once described as a ‘Swiss army choir’. They have performed at Celtic festivals in Ireland and Brittany, turned their hand to a bit of theatre, managed a Ted Talk and featured on Channel 5’s Cornwall: A Year By The Sea.
Formed ‘neath the low beams of a Goonbell cottage, St Agnes’ unique architecture was key in shaping the resonating tones of the choir. Originally meeting with no intention on public performance a bagus* was bonded, with none bothering to enquire whether ‘twas a sensible act or no. Sam Stephens, who writes the majority of the songs, was inspired to tread this new path after one too many pints at Perranporth shout over a decade ago. Within 12 months the Aggie Boys Choir were thrust into the limelight with their debut cover, Row Row Your Boat.
Sam’s lyrics pay witty homage to the working class legacy of the region, whilst gently mocking outsiders interpretation of what is perhaps perceived as twee Celtic culture. Indeed pasties and jam, mine-stack and harbour, and of course the order of the cream, well it may well seem a postcard provincial novelty reduced to call and response to you and me, but for the choir, the line between humour and heritage is as clear as mizzle on the moor. If you asked them to explain their songs you may well hobble away, brain frazzled, wishing you hadn’t tread that particular cobbled path in the first instance. Forgive them for they know not what they shanty.
*Kernewic for group of friends
Ajoupa Trio
Ajoupa Trio are three musicians from Orléans in France. Nicolas on accordion, Thierry on guitar and vocals and Jean-Paul on irish flutes, harmonica and vocals. Their repertoire is made up of sea shanties, celtic, irish and scottish music… Whatever they like!
The trio are also Loire mariners, and perform Loire sea shanties.
Armstrong’s Patent
Armstrong’s Patent consists of 4 men and 1 woman, who sing stories about ships, the sea, fishing and about family members who are waiting for a safe return of their loved ones, in the port!
Their songs can be recognised by a narrative part and the choruses often contain a repeating part, which of course you can always be sing along to.This group have a lot of fun and a strong bond among themselves, which makes them proud of each other and proud of what they achieve together. Armstrong’s Patent travels every year to a number of countries in Europe, England, Germany, Norway and Belgium, USA, France.
Every year in August, Bie Daip foundation organises the International Folk & Seasongs Festival “Bie Daip” together with Armstrong’s Patent where around 30 Folk & Seasong groups participate. International, incredibly special groups and above all very accessible and super fun. The International Folk & Seasongsfestival “Bie Daip” has been a household name in Appingedam for more than 24 years and takes place in the centre of Appingedam, pubs & bars and around the Nicolaikerk.
Back Beach Boyz
Teignmouth’s lively band were formed in February 2013. They have played at many festivals and also been featured on BBC’s television’s “Spotlight” programme, singing one of their own compositions.
Some of the more interesting places Back Beach Boyz have performed include Exeter Cathedral, Plymouth Theatre Royal and the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
Their albums include ‘Good Libations’, ‘Captain Baarman’s Dog’ (plus an accompanying promotional video “The Monk Of Lidwell Chapel’ included on their You Tube channel) and ‘Captain Jack Spratt’. Many of the tracks on the two latter albums were written by members of the band, which sets them apart from other groups.
Baldrick’s Plan
Steve, Jinks and Helen are Baldrick’s Plan, based in West Cornwall. Sadly, Peter has had to retire from performing for health reasons.
The group are now back to their roots as a trio singing a capella with strong, captivating harmonies. They love to sing a wide range of sea songs and just the occasional shanty.
Baldrick’s Plan will be around on both Saturday and Sunday this year, so come and listen and perhaps pick up a cd or two.
Barnacle Buoys
Barnacle Buoys are excited about returning to Falmouth this year. They are based in Clevedon, North Somerset, on the briny Bristol Channel.
The group has been going for 13 years now, with only one of original member still singing with them, but are rolling along merrily with new Buoys learning the ropes and reducing their average age dramatically!
Barnacle Buoys sing acapella, with their own interpretation of traditional and unusual shanties and sea songs. They continue with their mission to have fun, bring a smile to the faces of their audiences, whilst raising an appreciable amount of funds for their chosen charities.
Barrel Seagals
The Barrel Seagals are an all-female, light-hearted and fun shanty crew based in Bude.
Their songs include unique takes on traditional shanties to represent the female perspective, plus original penned material based upon Cornish legends.
Trying to keep up with some of the longer standing male crews they have found themselves attending many of the prestigious festivals over the last few years and have started to build up quite the following and reputation.
Barrett’s Privateers
Formed in 2019 and based on the Cornish side of the beautiful Tamar Valley, the group met through a joy of acapella singing in local pubs, and Barrett’s Privateers was born.
From the deep, resonating notes of the father and son bass to the high notes of the girls, Barrett’s Privateers have delighted audiences throughout Cornwall and well beyond, with their broad, rich harmonies. They take each song and make it their own, with each of the voices finding a way to complement its neighbour. The power and harmony within their lively performances are both enjoyable and hugely entertaining.
Bow Creek
Ahoy there Falmouth Shanty! Join Bow Creek on a musical voyage who hail from Holland, Ireland and the U.K. Blending tradition with high-energy, Bow Creek are best known for creating unique arrangements of folk songs and songs of the sea with fiddle, guitar, melodeon, bass and harmonies.
The multi-instrumental band members each have a rich musical history and have performed at festivals all over Europe, Ireland & England, on T.V. and radio. They draw inspiration from childhoods immersed in the folk tradition, Celtic origins, folk-rock and folk dance. So, raise your voices and your tankards and come aboard.
Bow Movement
Hailing originally from the Gulf of Aden and washed ashore in Kennford, Devon in 2020, Bow Movement was forged from isolation, desperation, and a shared love of attention. Dubbed the “Take That of the shanty world” (by one overly generous aunt), they blend tight harmonies, offbeat instrumentation, and songs that veer gloriously off the traditional shanty path. With charm, cheekbones, and questionable nautical knowledge, Bow Movement deliver shows as unforgettable as a rogue wave to the face. They’re not just a band—they’re an emotional journey. So brace yourself… and enjoy a Bow Movement. (Laxatives not required.)
Bryher’s Boys
Since they were press-ganged into service in 2017, Bryher’s Boys have delighted audiences at home and abroad with a blend of Cornish Songs and Sea Shanties sung in their trademark “free harmony” style. Racking up over 400 gigs in venues ranging from Stadiums to Sand Dunes, Pubs to Poop Decks and Warships to Weddings, they have become FISSF regulars with this being their eighth appearance. Whether you see them on the Main Stage, or an upstairs bar, be prepared to haul on ropes, climb up ladders and sing your hearts out, celebrating all that is best about the premier Shanty Festival in the UK!
C Birds
C Birds are ten women local to Newquay, different in makeup and where age has no bounds. One of their members is officially the second fastest Pasty crimper in the World.
The group formed by chance in 2022 and their love of singing Sea Shanties has led them to perform at fantastic events in Cornwall – they haven’t performed across the Tamar yet.
The Cornish moto “One and All” sums up their weekly practices. “Life is too short not to sing” and “We give it what we can”. C Birds are delighted to be singing at Falmouth again and cannot wait to see you.
Cadgwith Singers
The Cadgwith Singers have traditionally sung in the Cove Inn at Cadgwith on Friday nights for many decades. Originally local fishermen and farmers who sang exclusively in the Cove, the group now sing at pubs and venues in west Cornwall and embrace local singers from all walks of life. They continue to sing the traditional songs that have been handed down in the Cove for many years, particularly the Cadgwith anthem, but also embracing new material as it comes along.
Captain Cat and the Sailors
Formed as a one-off for a talent contest in late 2008, Captain Cat and the Sailors are a shanty loving folk band that just keep on going. Based in South Wales, they draw on a range of musical traditions including shanties, working songs, Welsh, Irish and American music to create immersive and engaging musical experiences with their audiences. If you like stories, singing along and sinking beers then they are the band for you.
Catch Of The Day
Catch of the Day is an all-female shanty group from Wiltshire that performed at Falmouth last year under the name All at Sea. We are delighted to be back!
Catch of the Day sings a variety of songs from traditional sea shanties to songs incorporating watery motifs. We also develop original music and are interested in sharing the stories of women in seafaring communities. The songs may be tragic or humorous, but we aim to entertain you.
We love the festival atmosphere so come and share it with us and join in when you can.
Culdrose Military Wives Choir
Culdrose Military Wives Choir was formed in 2012, inspired by Gareth Malone’s TV series ‘The Choir’; one of the first in the network that today comprises 72 choirs and nearly 2,000 members at British military bases across the UK and overseas.
A registered charity, the Military Wives Choirs bring women with a military connection together to sing, share and support one another.
The Helston-based choir has collaborated on three Military Wives Choirs albums and enjoys performing a diverse repertoire at a variety of occasions, from community events to large-scale venues.
DerryAirs
The DerryAirs all live in and around Downderry in beautiful south-east Cornwall on Whitsand Bay. Forming up in 2019 they now comprise 6 including guitarists and a bodhran drummer.
Whilst sea shanties are central to their repertoire, the group also enjoys singing popular folk and local songs, and have even now added their own songs to their repertoire. Music and lyrics are written by Kevin Weaver and Kevin Done with arrangements by The DerryAirs. Their debut album (available on Spotify, Apple music etc) includes the title track Trafalgar Way along with The Wreck of the Gipsy, The Seaton Mermaid and The Ballad of Silas Finny.
Du Hag Owr
A group that has grown in numbers in the last 15 years, Du Hag Owr try to combine tradition with humour and have a good time wherever they are.
From the Minack to the Golden Hind, shanty festivals across the South West, and being the only group at the 2021 G7 leaders’ final bbq, Du Hag Owr have been there. As always, enjoy Falmouth, and they’ll see you there.
Dutch Uncle
The Dutchman, Hans Weehuizen “Dutch Uncle “ gives his workshop How To Play Bones, during the Falmouth International Sea and Shanty Festival Weekend.
Hans is also active with singing sea songs and playing on his one row squeezebox and concertina. One of the oldest instruments to make rhythm are “bones” (bone).
On board ships, there were not many instruments, so the men searched to make simple instruments themselves, from wood or bone.
During the whale fishing there was enough material on hand to make bones (rattle-bones). Today you can’t get whalebones so easily, so people use wood, which works very well. It gives you an extra opportunity to make additionals sounds. To play with bones is divergent of old-fashioned “rattles”. The difference is, how to hold the bones, it gives greater possibilities to play additional rhythms. You often hear bones being played during shanty festivals.
One of the promotors in Europe is Shanty Jack, who uses bones as an accompaniment on his songs.
In America it goes much further, if you visit the Festival in Mystic Seaport, you hear many bone players.
There is even a Rhythm Bones Society, who organize their own Bones Festival. They have members all over the world.
*) The workshop teaches you the first steps of how to play the bones
*) How to hold the bones
*) The first movement with music
*) There is enough learning material to practice
*) On sale, there is a complete course with a coursebook in English, tape and practice bones
*) But you can also make your own bones!
For the workshop schedule, view the festival programme and try ‘HOW TO PLAY THE BONES’. The workshops are of course free of charge.
To find out more about the Bones workshops see:How to Play the Bones Website
Contact: hweehuizen@freeler.nl
Falmouth Shout
The Shout started in the back room of the legendary Seven Stars in 2002 and had the idea of inviting a few other Shanty Groups to sing on the Quay in 2004. The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival was born and Falmouth Shout are proud to have played their part.
Rejuvenated with a mix of original and newer members Falmouth Shout are as ever a group of friends who enjoy a song and a drink and raising funds for their chosen charities, notably the RNLI and Cornwall Air Ambulance. The group are very much looking forward to performing at their 21st festival this year!
Femmes de la Mer
Femmes de la Mer are a group of women hailing from across Cornwall. Each individual member brings a unique sound to the group, yet it’s their blend of a cappella voices that has gained them recognition amongst the folk and sea shanty communities.
Led by musical director, Claire Ingleheart, this women+ group are known for their rich harmonies and bold interpretations of well known traditional songs as well as newly written shanties celebrating the lives and stories of Cornish women.
As well as launching their first album, Today’s Haul, a beautiful collection of shanties and songs of the sea, they recently appeared on the latest BBC series of Rick Stein Cornwall!
Figurehead
Figurehead are an all female shanty group from North Cornwall who share a love of songs with a traditional, nautical and maritime flavour.
Over the years the personnel have changed but the love of singing in harmony together and entertaining people with foot stomping songs and shanties remains constant.
Currently the members are Cath, Rachel, Sharon and Gill. As well as singing at local events, they can be seen performing at a wide variety of festivals around the South West. In recent years they also enjoyed performing on Radio 5 Live Sunday breakfast and appearing on CBeebies!
Five Men Not Called Matt
5 Men have been singing together for over 20 years in pubs, clubs, boats and anywhere else they can find. This is the groups 13th appearance at Falmouth, their favourite festival. The 5 Men Not Called Matt are looking forward to meeting friends old and new.
Flash Jack
Flash Jack is a group formed by combining previous members of the late lamented shanty crew Hanging Johnny with other well established local singers and musicians. They all hail from Plymouth and East Cornwall (although some of their roots are more widespread).
The groups repertoire has shanties and ballads old and new, tragic and comic. Tunes associated with the coast and seafaring (both at home and abroad) and songs from a woman’s perspective. Flash Jack also sing ballads and work songs from the land, reflecting the strong link which has always existed between the songs from coastal districts and the songs sung by the seafarers from those districts.
They maintain the honourable tradition of comic songs established by their illustrious predecessors and they positively encourage audience participation, with singing and dancing as brilliantly demonstrated by their audiences in the UK and their performances in European Maritime festivals
Freddie’s Barnet
Formed in 2018, Freddie’s Barnet love nothing better than singing old and new Shanty songs at open air summer festivals, by the sea or by a cosy fireside on a Winter’s eve. They travel our wonderful country from coast to coast raising a rousing song and a smile here and there as well as a few pounds for the RNLI.
Guillaume Yaouank
Guillaume Yaouank is a child of the Lorient coast.
He has toured for several years in France and abroad: England, Ireland, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Hungary, Singapore, Vietnam…
With his voice and his guitar, he offers you the purest in marine Folk. Guillaume Yaouank interprets the texts with the salty airs. Five albums in duet and participations in different musical projects of artists singing about the sea punctuate this rich career of an artist who loves to get close to his audience.
The authenticity that emerges from the repertoire chosen by Guillaume Yaouank takes the public on a journey beyond the seas.
Gulls
Gulls (Port Isaac) never said they were a shanty group but they do sing a strong “Sea Section” which follows in the good old Port Isaac singing tradition. So, expect shanties and songs of the sea with a bit of a female slant. They might even throw in a joke or two!
In this strong male genre this group like to say a word, or two, for the gals in “days of yore” left behind whilst their men sailed the high seas, who the Gulls like to think used to get together to talk, eat cake, drink wine and sing a bit!
Hay Shantymen
Hay Shantymen sing traditional and modern songs from the sea with warmth, wit and big harmonies. They have been performing since 2018 and during that time have raised over £15,000 for their chosen charity, the RNLI.
They have performed at major international shanty festivals including Falmouth and Port Isaac and also at the Latitude Festival and Hay Literature Festival, attracting ever increasing audiences every time they perform. Their arrangements and harmonies are stronger than ever and are performed with a sense of lively friendship that engages audiences from intimate pubs to big festival stages.
High & Dry
High & Dry are an all male acapella singing group based on and around the Mendips. They meet weekly to sing a few songs and socialise. From the groups humble beginnings around 15 years ago, mainly singing at local events they have spread their wings and are regulars at festivals around the South West, including the Bristol Shanty Festival.
High & Dry have a wide repertoire from traditional shanties through to maritime and folk, all sung with their trademark harmonies and good humour. This will be the groups first time at Falmouth and they can’t wait to make new friends.
Hit and Miss
Hit and Miss are a young, vibrant, local singing group who keep Cornwall’s musical heritage alive through song.
Hit and Miss were formed after five school friends were heard singing with the regular singers of the Blue Anchor Inn, Helston one Spring evening in 2017. It was pointed out to us that we should form a group to perform for the ‘Helstonbury’ festival in the coming August of that year. This we duly did and after being very well received, we entered in to ‘Helstonbury’ 2018 with a little more rehearsing under our belts. Since then we have gone from strength to strength taking on many other engagements across West Cornwall. We throughly enjoy singing together and are proud of our reputation for rich four-part harmonies.” Samuel Trounson
Kanerien Trozoul
Created in 1991, Kanerien Trozoul have traveled to many festivals and celebrations, in Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, all over Brittany and many venues in France.
The group are very happy to be back at the Falmouth Festival once again.
Kelp!
Kelp! are a small, eclectic group of men from Swanage in the Isle of Purbeck who have discovered the pleasure of singing sailor’s traditional working songs and raising money for good causes.
They share a love of the sea and are drawn from a common background of local sailors, lifeboat volunteers and friends.
Kessenyan
Kessenyan (meaning harmony) are a young three-part vocal group based in Redruth, Cornwall. Inspired by generations of singers, they specialise in English, Irish and Scottish folk songs and sea shanties. As a trio they are becoming well known for putting their own unique spin on the songs they love and enjoying every moment of it! With fresh arrangements, rich vocals and a love of tradition they are equally at home in a pub setting, intimate folk club or on the big stage.
Lemonaires
The Lemonaires are a passionate and powerful male vocal group based in Mylor Bridge, Falmouth, Cornwall. Singing traditional Cornish folk and shanties, their rich harmonies and heartfelt delivery bring the county’s heritage to life.
While not the oldest group on the circuit, they are quickly becoming one of the most respected, known for their authenticity and strong connection to Cornwall’s maritime and rural traditions. With performances at shanty festivals, pubs, and special events, The Lemonaires continue to grow their reputation as one of the most compelling and genuine shanty groups in the region.
Les Souillés De Fond De Cale
Since 1991 the band of five from The Côtes d’Armor have strolled along with their songs related to the sailing world from The North to the South, from Iceland to Italy , Quebec to Estonia, not to mention The British Isles, Poland, Switzerland, Belgium or The Netherlands.
Coming from various and different musical backgrounds, the members of the band succeeded in creating a group with its own identity full of friendship and complicity. They play folk tonic songs and melodies flavoured with emotion, humour and laughter inevitably capturing their audience along.
Set the sails and weigh the anchors ! The Souillés will take you along to a trip on the Coasts of Brittany, across the Channel and on a cruise across on the World’s seas! Such a fine mix of traditional songs pickled with a very special Celtic sauce!
Les Vénus du Matelot
Les Vénus du Matelot THREE VOICES’ MARITIMES SONGS from Les Sables d’Olonne, France.
Accompanied by a guitar or a cittern, they travel in the universe of the maritime repertoire by adding some personal compositions found in their logbook… The group takes you on polyphonic seas that are sometimes rough and sometimes moving. The revisited vocal arrangements refresh traditional sea shanties and bring emotion and originality..!!
Les Vénus du Matelot are composed of 2 female voices, a male voice and a guitar. You will find Isa (voice), Christine (voice) and Jean-Louis (voice, guitar and cittern).
Loose Cannons
Loose Cannons is a group of five friends who have many years experience singing with other shanty groups. We decided to get together in 2023 to get back to singing some of the songs we love in a smaller acoustic group, able to rock up and sing in smaller venues without the need for lots of PA gear, a kind of shanty Flying Squad! We hit the ground running in 2023 wiith successful gigs at Falmouth, Weston, St Ives and Mevagissey, as well as many smaller venues. Since then we have adopted the Fisherman’s Mission as our charity and have been lucky enough to attract sponsorship from the Harbour Tavern in Mevagissey. Our style is entertaining with lots of audience participation but, as our name suggests, you never know what to expect from Loose Cannons! We hope to see you over the weekend and make you smile!
Mariners Away
Based on Dartmoor, Mariners Away have been captivating audiences since 2007 and are now in our 18th year of performing at festivals and other prestigious events. This year marks their 17th appearance at Falmouth!
In recent years Mariners Away have performed live on BBC Spotlight (twice), entertained on BBC Radio Devon & Cornwall, and even fired up the crowd at Exeter Chiefs. A standout moment came last December when they were honoured to perform at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth for their officer’s graduation dinner – a truly special experience at the UK’s premier officer training academy which is steeped in royal history.
Missin’ Tackle Shanty Crew
Following the success of ‘The Provident’ play in Brixham Theatre in 2015, a group of lads decided, as they had had so much fun singing together they would form a shanty group. Thus, ‘Missin’ Tackle’ came together. With very varied backgrounds in singing it is the camaraderie of it all that draws them together. Their love of the sea and the very different way of life in days gone by is brought to together in shanties and sea songs including some old favourites that everyone will want to sing along too. In the past twelve months, they have enjoyed singing in Brixham and beyond singing for many local charities. Like many shanty crews, their free annual quay concerts in the summer down under the Old Fish Quay on Brixham Harbour to raise funds for local good causes were very well received. ‘Missin’ Tackle’ are very pleased to return to once again be a part of the Falmouth International Shanty Festival 2025.
Molgoggers
Formed in 2012, the Molgoggers are an a-cappella sea shanty and maritime song group. This group sings a mixture of traditional sea shanties and contemporary songs and are based in the town of Cobh on Great Island, lower Cork Harbour. It was from Cobh that the RMS Titanic sailed on her fateful voyage.
Monkeyfists
The Monkeyfists are the UK’s most landlocked shanty band. Now nine strong, with many instruments, and enjoying playing live for more than ten years! The last 12 months for the Monkeyfists involved a rich mix of festival stages, new streaming releases, an RNLI gig in an old cathedral, and even a stint on stage in London’s West End for a certain pasty company (la-dee-dah!).
A foot-stomping, carousing, singalong awaits you. Come! Be their ragged (but honest) crew, doing old sea songs, folk songs, recent covers, and drinking songs too! The Monkeyfists pride themselves on an authentic atmosphere and fun times.
Month’s Advance
“But we answer to the name of Month’s Advance…”
Emily and Josh’s music takes an irreverent stance on history, places and people, and combines originals with traditional songs from the days of sail, peopled with handsome cabin boys, Jack Tars and unfortunate tailors pressed into service on the briny.
The Month’s Advance crew of 2 accompany Emily’s folk vocals and Josh’s shanty-man tenor with a mix of fiddle, ukulele, double bass and shouting. Their favourite part of a folk set is that everyone gets to be in it, so bring your glass-bottomed tankard and watch out for stray shillings!
Nankersey Male Choir
Founded mainly by men from the pretty little fishing village of Flushing, near Falmouth, the choir now numbers almost 60 members who now hail from various other towns and villages in nearby West Cornwall.
Several thousands of pounds have been raised over the years to benefit local and national charities, organisations and projects.
Nordet
This year will be the thirteenth time Nordet have participated in the “Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival”. For more than 35 years Nordet has been performing traditional sea shanties and its own creations. The crew knows how to make people dance and sing in a festive spirit. Nordet have sailed from Lorient, their home port, to New York; from Paimpol to Liverpool and from Hoorn to Douarnenez. These five sailors, exuberant and joyful, will embark the audience, from dead calm seas to storms, from the middle of oceans to the docks, and from Breton taverns to Cornish pubs. So welcome on board you sailors.
Odds & Sods
Odds n Sods are as the name implies are a group of like-minded friends who enjoy singing together, over the last three years we have raised over £6500 for various local charities.
This will be our second visit to Falmouth and if it’s anything like last year, will be a blast.
Oll An Gwella
Oll an Gwella hail from Newquay and wow audiences with their mix of Cornish, folk, seasonal and shanty songs presented a capella with a self-deprecating humour. A passion for Cornish culture & heritage resonates through their performances which include elements in Kernewek (the Cornish language). They have appeared live on BBC TV, ITV and Radio Cornwall and represented Cornwall at the prestigious Festival Interceltique in Lorient, Brittany as well as performing on the main stage at Boardmasters, but they are equally at home in a community hall or care home.
Oll an Gwella sing for pleasure but also for charity, raising thousands of pounds each year.
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew
This group are a crew of mates who just love to sing traditional working shanties along with more modern maritime songs and Bristol sea shanties, some written by their crew mate Nobby Dye. The Port of Bristol Shanty Crew mantra is “Fun and Friendship, Melody and Mirth”; they sing anything with a nautical theme and a good tune or a good lyric, but their priority is to enjoy themselves and to entertain their audiences.
The group give their time for free to support festivals or charity fundraising events. 100% of the money they raise goes to support the excellent work of the Teenage Cancer Trust, in the 30 months since they have formed, the group have raised over £42000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Portsmouth Shantymen
The Portsmouth Shantymen have been described as a “power harmony group” who specialize in Sea Songs.
They were formed in 1978 when the Christchurch Festival unexpectedly found itself without a Shanty Crew, which almost certainly makes them the longest continually running Shanty Group in the UK.
Since then they have performed at festivals, historic ships including HMS Victory, clubs, book launches, schools, charity events , on Television and many other places too numerous to mention. They have performed all over the UK , the near continent and the USA, and over 45 years later they are still going strong!
Press Gang
Based in and around the St Austell Bay Area, The Press Gang are a group of eight singers and musicians who perform foot-stomping shanties, melodic songs of the sea and songs of their beloved Cornwall.
Well established and revered by audiences near and far, they are known for reworking traditional shanties and folk songs into their own harmonious, energetic style and mixing Cornish tradition with raucous entertainment.
From grand stages to small intimate venues, The Press Gang have been taking audiences near and far on maritime and Cornish heritage voyages through songs and shanties for well over a decade.
Come, stomp your feet, clap your hands and let them immerse you in the captivating melodies of the sea and Cornwall.
River Notes Choir
The River Notes are a mixed voice choir singing together since 2016. They take part in supporting many community events and perform a broad eclectic repertoire including popular tunes, Christmas carols and, of course, shanties. They have previously performed in a variety of locations even once in a shop doorway.
This group has an appetite for a good old time and are proud to be a non judgemental, a choir for one and all. They invite new members to join and ensures everyone will receive a warm welcome. Singing is a proven tonic for the Soul. What’s not to love?
Rive Notes meet every Monday during term time at the Falmouth Cricket club 7pm to 9pm.
Rum & Shrub
Rum and Shrub Shantymen are Cornish singers with a worldwide reputation for lively singing of shanties, sea songs and folk songs. Performing since 1991, their name comes from a well-known local drink reputed to have been enjoyed by smugglers.The group has performed throughout Europe, the USA and the UK and have produced many recordings of their singing with copies at all outlets. Rum and Shrub have appeared at Falmouth’s International Sea Shanty Festival every year since its inception and are looking forward to doing so again in the company of friends old and new.
Seaweed in the Fruit Locker
Formed in 2022, Seaweed in the Fruit Locker is an LGBTQIA+ sea shanty choir based in Plymouth, Devon. The choir perform traditional shanties and maritime folk songs, often utilising contemporary queer lived experience as inspiration for re-writing canonical songs, as well as penning original shanties.LINKSIMAGE CREDIT: Dom Moore
Severn Whalers
Severn Whalers are delighted to be returning to Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival in 2025. They are a 4 piece A-Capella crew, singing shanties and songs of the seas, based to the North of Bristol along the banks of the River Severn.
Severn Whalers love to perform songs both traditional and modern, and you will often find them supporting the vibrant and often boisterous shanty scene in and around Bristol – as well as at festivals both near & far.
Shanty Bass
Shanty Bass is a 12-strong crew of ex-rugby players from Falmouth, bonded by years of battling in the mud, long away days, and plenty of post-match singing. Now, we swap tackling (still a foreign concept for many of us!) for harmonies with a mix of shanties, Cornish folk, and a few surprise crossovers. Formed for a wedding (which we didn’t ruin!), we’ve since sang at pubs, festivals and, yep, more weddings across Cornwall. With a growing set of crowd-pleasers and lesser-heard gems, we bring big voices, bigger hearts, terrible banter, and toe-tapping tunes you’ll love. Now, where’s the bar?
Shanty Sam Wheatley
Shanty Sam returns for his second Falmouth festival. You may have also seen him be featured in many other festivals around the county, where he has been honing his skills, adding to his set lists and having far too much fun doing it! His repertoire includes all the traditional favourites, other songs of the sea, and his own songs that will make you laugh, cry, or even blush! Each set is also unique to each performance, so make sure you try and catch them all for a chance to hear your favourites!
Sheringham Shantymen
The Sheringham Shantymen were formed in 1990. Over the last 35 years the group has developed its own style of performing songs of the sea, refining their music and always trying to entertain the public whilst raising funds for the RNLI and other charities.
The group has remained true to it’s roots as volunteers of the RNLI and still maintains a very close connection with the life-saving charity, which is reflected in the membership and badge they wear with pride.
The Sheringham Shantymen have performed in the UK, France, Germany, USA, Ireland and Holland over the years and we are delighted to be invited back to Falmouth for the 20th time this year.
Short Drag Roger
After celebrating their 20th anniversary with a sell-out theatre concert, Short Drag Roger continues to bring shanties and sea songs to the landlocked people of Oxfordshire and further afield. With their unique close harmonies, the group performs at shanty and folk festivals all over the UK and Europe as well as pubs, theatres, village shows, and other venues closer to home. Their a capella repertoire includes traditional shanties, more modern sea songs, and several they have written themselves.
Short Drag Roger also run interactive workshops where participants experience the tangy flavour of shanty singing, and life, on board ships in the days of sail.
Simon The Shanty Harpist
Far from the crying gulls, the breaking waves, the desert isles
Where once lurked the ancient mariner and the press gang vigilantes,
Beyond the sea-soaked quay, the narrow harbour and the moorings
You may find a harpist singing shanties.Is it yet the desolation of the minstrelsy of knowing
That the rushing of the sea-wind is the calling of the tide?
Is it restlessness or longing or a riptide in the soul
That sends a Shanty Harpist far and wide?So do go down to the lonely sea, the lonely sea and the shore
And hear the strings a-pinging to the songs that yet bewail
The sorrows of the sailors and the dangers of the deep,
And treat yourself to several pints of ale!
Sloop Groggy Dogs
Sloop Groggy Dogs are Bedfordshire’s favourite lively Shanty Band. Audience involvement is their goal at every event. From 8 to 80 this group has a little something special to appeal to all.
They have done many beer festivals, charity fund raisers, concerts, parties, pickle nights, wakes and weddings! Come and see them – you’ll have some fun!
Stuns’ls Shanty Group
Stuns’ls were formed in Mevagissey, Charlestown and Truro Cornish Pilot Gig rowing clubs and named from one our earliest songs “Old Maui”. Stuns’ls is sailors slang for the Studding Sail, an extra sail that can be hauled out on a square-rigged vessel’s yardarm to run in light winds.
We are a light-hearted bunch, who doesn’t take life to seriously and have a lust for harmonies, always seeking out that extra note. Over the last two years we have had the honour of singing for King Charles and the Queen consult, played a part in Rick Steins Cornwall (2021), and are the voices for Visit Cornwall’s G7 campaign, whilst also performing for German TV and singing at the Bremen International Shanty Festival in Germany.
We strive to make those chords ring and to put a smile on spectators faces, whilst ensuring that we promote Cornish harmonies and songs of the sea.
The 85ers
The 85ers are a shanty group made up of 5 active sea going lifeboat crew from RNLI Portishead. Fully acapella, They sing a wide range of shanties. The group was formed during a lock down in 2021 and have been regulars at Falmouth ever since. In 2023 The 85ers got to sing for the King at the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle and last year they sang at in the Great Hall at Stormont in Belfast and at the Remembrance service in Paddington. You still cannot however beat the crowds of Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival!
The Chantry Buoys
The Chantry Buoys are a Devon based shanty group who like to sing together on an informal basis, with the aim of raising as much money as possible for local charities. The group like to sing at many varied functions and venues, as well as shanty festivals all over the South West.
The Countrymen
It’s difficult to find a musical genre that would fully describe The Countrymen, but Folk Rock Harmony comes close. A five-piece band featuring tight four-part vocal harmony and strong instrumentation.
Primarily performing original songs and their own arrangements of lesser-known contemporary folk, the band’s lyrical inspiration is drawn from life in Cornwall, the demise of local industries and other rural issues that resonate throughout the country. The Countrymen are accomplished performers, engaging the audience with light-hearted banter and back-stories to their songs.
The Following Seas
The Following Seas are the semi-official shanty choir of King Charles the Martyr Church, Falmouth, featuring very experienced musicians who normally sing in Churches and Cathedrals but who like nothing better than a song of the sea or three.
Led by Richard Bailey, the Organist and Choirmaster of KCM, the Following Seas put a different spin on the traditional, with homegrown eight-part quasi-renaissance arrangements of some of the classics to the Nanny State version of the Drunken Sailor.
The Harry Browns
The Harry Browns are the longest serving group from Bristol. Named after the old Harry Brown sand dredger, they began singing as a “super group” in the late 1980s and expanded their repertoire to include a wide range of songs of the sea including contemporary and self-penned songs. They have toured Europe and sung at major festivals in the UK and abroad.
In addition to researching and giving life to many forgotten songs, the Harrys are renowned for their musical arrangements and harmonies, their humour and spontaneity.
Every Harry performance is unique and engaging. You have been warned!
The Longest Johns
Having met and bonded over sea shanties across a kitchen table in their native Bristol a decade ago, The Longest Johns – Jonathan ‘JD’ Darley, Andy Yates and Robbie Sattin – have sailed the seven seas in the name of the “rock ‘n’ roll of 1752” to grace the stages of international folk festivals, tour the UK, Europe and North America, and appear on TV.
To celebrate ten years of pitching and rolling in brotherly harmony, in October the band are set to release a tin anniversary edition of their self-released debut EP Bones in the Ocean. That follows their latest tour of Canada in September as they build towards the release early next year of a new studio album – their ninth but the first as a three piece following the departure of co-founder Dave Robinson in May.
By any standard The Longest Johns have enjoyed a whirlwind of a journey these last ten years. As well as eight full length albums, they’ve released four EPs and nine singles, including the 2021 version of ‘Wellerman‘ that began a sea shanty craze on social media as a 150 year-old folk song from New Zealand became a worldwide viral sensation, sweeping the group to the #2 berth on the US Spotify Viral Chart and #5 Global.
They’ve racked up more than 500 million streams across all platforms, signed up more than half a million YouTube subscribers and logged some 200,000 hours watched on Twitch. Their gaming partnerships include Sea of Thieves and Wanderworld and they’ve recorded the soundtrack to No Man’s Wife, a new film made by the co-producers of the Fisherman’s Friends films
The Lower Deckers
The Lower Deckers are a fun, contemporary shanty group who hail from the landlocked counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire and are delighted to be involved in the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival. Following their tentative first gig fundraising for the RNLI in 2017, they have gone from strength to strength, performing regularly in festivals, pubs and cafes. They’ve sung at Hereford’s River Carnival and entertained residential homes. Their other festival appearances include Mevagissey, Teignmouth , Weston Super Mare, Bristol & Gloucester, Barry Island and Port Issac.
They are keen charity fundraisers and regularly hold gigs to raise funds for the RNLI as well as local charities such as Shropshire’s Mayfair Centre, Herefordshire’s Home Start and several local food banks. The Lower Deckers repertoire embraces traditional Shanties, songs of the sea and sailing, folk songs and more, with a few surprises along the way! They look forward to performing to you and promise plenty of Hearty Shanties & Sea Faring Fun
The Navy Larks
The Oggymen
The Cornish have a proud tradition of expressing their loves, beliefs, hopes and fears through music. Songs chart the history of Cornwall’s Methodist past, the hardships of life as a tin miner, the peril of those at sea, or the lament of the cousin jack, longing for family and familiarity whilst working a long way from home.
The Oggymen’s songs are part of their culture; a bridge to both the past and the future. As they grew up in Falmouth they heard these songs regularly. Fathers sung them in male voice choirs, friends sung them after working boat races, brothers sung them gig rowing, and they all tried to sing them down the pub…
In recent years, the songs of their fathers have been heard less, and collectively they lamented the loss of this bridge to their Cornish past; hopefully they can do their part to stop the songs from being lost forever.
The Orkney Sea Shanty Society
Travelling the full length of the country to perform at this year’s festival are the Orkney Sea Shanty Society. A group of friends and family from the islands off the north coast of Scotland, they’ve been playing and singing together for many years, both informally and in Orkney’s thriving traditional music scene. After an impromptu invite on stage in 2023 by the Barnacle Buoys, the group is excited to return two years later to share a lively set of traditional Orcadian songs, tunes, dances, and some familiar shanty favourites!
The Orwellermen Sea Shanty Crew
The Orwellemen are a rollicking Shanty Crew who throw open their arms—and their songbooks—to one and all. Whether you’re a seasoned sea dog with salt in your veins or a landlubber dipping your toes into maritime melodies, you’re heartily welcome. They gather at the Steamboat Tavern, on the banks of the Orwell in Suffolk, to belt out shanties and songs of the sea. Their performances are brimming with energy, and they’ll have you singing along in no time. Come for the songs, stay for the camaraderie!
This year they are CYCLING from the East Coast to perform at the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival.
The Out Of Tunas
The Out Of Tunas rose like a phoenix from the ashes of the pandemic. A gentlemen’s club with a difference, now recording their own original songs. Sometimes described as ‘the bad boys of shanty’ or ‘a drinking club with a shanty problem’, this group will be performing at Falmouth’s International Sea Shanty Festival and playing through the speakers at full volume!
The Perraners
The Perraners are a long established and eclectic group from Perranporth who sing Cornish songs and songs the Cornish love to sing. With a huge repertoire including sea songs, shanties and lullabies in 5 part harmony, they can often be found at The Seiners Arms by the beach in Perranporth on a Tuesday evening, with glass in hand, in full voice! The Perraners were delighted to be invited back to sing again at The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival and are excited to be taking part alongside so many other talented singing groups.
The Pirates of St Piran
The Pirates of St. Piran are a St. Austell based nonprofit, charity fundraising group, who perform all over Cornwall and Devon to raise money for local charities. So far, they have raised over £100,000 for local charities including Children’s Hospice Southwest, The RNLI and the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, along with many other charities and good causes in their area.
The group are a rocky rumbustious sea shanty crew who perform in full pirate costume, playing at festivals, pirate events and taverns all over Cornwall and Devon. They sing traditional sea shanties and their own original songs of the sea.
The Rusty Tubs
The Rusty Tubs are a mongrel band of 10, A Cappella, sea shanty singing Jack Tars. As one of the country’s rowdiest shanty sides, they sing traditional sea shanties, songs of the sea, military songs, protest songs, folk songs, working songs & drinking songs. They are all based on traditional themes: being at sea, drinking, shagging, not shagging, working, getting mistreated, fighting, tragedy, poverty & general skullduggery. The Rusty Tubs are loud, rough & ready, with a punk attitude, but a certain style. Drunken revelry is a certainty!
The Sea Gals
All female renegade crew, hailing from Totnes in Devon. Set sail with The Sea Gals for a taste of traditional sea shanties and nautical numbers. Known for their melodious harmonies and soaring acapella, The Sea Gals will transport you on a voyage from taverns and harbours to the roaring waves. A little bit pirate, quite a lot shanty!
The Solent Shanty Buoys
The Solent Shanty Buoys are a group of friends who enjoy singing shanties but also some lesser known songs of the sea. They are thoroughly enjoying being able to perform again in Falmouth. They also love performing at birthday parties, sailing clubs, beer festivals and micro breweries…..can’t think why!! They enjoy performing to a wide range of audiences, always encouraging audience participation.
The Solent Shanty Buoys’ chosen charity is Wetwheels, a charity which offers access to the water for disabled people with a safe, barrier-free, enriching experience, whatever their situation.
The Steepholmers
The Steepholmers formed in Weston-super-Mare in early summer 2018, with a little help from a certain popular video game with a nautical theme (seriously!). We are the organisers of the Weston-super-Mare Sea Shanty and Folk Music Festival https://www.wsmshantyfest.com
We meet every Wednesday for rehearsal and perform a range of popular sea shanties and sea songs, always remaining keen on learning new ones to enhance our repertoire.
We perform in public for community groups, in pubs, in bars, and at Sea Shanty Festivals around the UK. We play every 3rd Wednesday with invited friends our regular monthly ‘Shanty Night’ in Fork ‘n’ Ale, Weston-super-Mare.
The Suitcase Singers
The Suitcase Singers – are a 50 strong community choir led by Musical Director, Claire Ingleheart and based in Penryn. Being by the sea, they have a love for shanties and folk songs, old and new and have a rich repertoire of traditional Cornish songs and contemporary songs that reflect the incredible stories of our Cornish heritage.
Treizhadenn
Treizhadenn is a Breton group (Crossing in English) coming from the Paris area.
It is composed of musicians (vocals, chromatic accordion, flutes, saxophone, bombardes, bass guitar and percussions). Treizhadenn is 18 years old. They perform throughout France and abroad in Wales and Cornwall. Their repertoire is almost exclusively composed of group creations (music and lyrics) is dedicated to the sea, sailors and Brittany.
Most of them are dance tunes from different terroirs of Brittany and Celtic countries.
Teizhadenn have recorded four CDs. For more details you can visit their website, where you will find videos and CD extracts.
Wellington Wailers
Hailed as ‘Sea Shanty Favourites’ in their native Shoreham-by-Sea, the Wellington Wailers were formed in 2012 by a small group of likeminded ‘sea dogs’ interested in singing traditional shanties. Their repertoire has expanded to include a number of ‘fore-bitters’ and some more bawdy favourites.
The Wailers regularly fundraise for the RNLI, contributing over £11,000 to-date.
Their performances focus on humour and enjoyment, with a harmonious and rousing sound that fans adore. Everyone is encouraged to join in with any mischief and shenanigans that the Wailers embark on
Will Keating
Will Keating Award-winning singer-songwriter known for his powerful voice and evocative storytelling, Will’s music blends traditional folk influences with modern sensibilities, capturing the spirit of Cornwall. With a loyal fanbase, he continues to enchant audiences with his heartfelt performances and deep connection to his beloved home of Cornwall.
Wrecked Again
Wrecked Again Shanty Crew are a group of friends singing in Cockwood and Dawlish, South Devon. They are a crew of male and female singers, taking it in turns to lead a variety of songs. Wrecked Again love it when audiences join in!
The group have been singing together for several years and enjoy the social side of shanty, as well as the songs! They have lots of fun singing at regional shanty festivals such as Mevagissey and Port Isaac, and local sea-themed events. Wrecked Again are thrilled to be part of the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival in 2025.
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