Preparations are well underway for the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival which returns after a two-year hiatus.

The festival is expected to be bigger and better than ever with more than 70 local, national and international sea shanty groups performing in over 25 venues, and 50,000 visitors expected from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th June.

New venues this year include a main stage on Church Street car park, the bandstand and gardens of the Princess Pavilion, Falmouth Rugby Club, The Cornish Bank, and The Boathouse.

The festival will kick off at the Skinners Stage on Discovery Quay (Events Square), from 1pm on Friday 17th, where European groups will be hosting their Breton Bash.

Setting up for Sea Shanty Festival in Events Square, Falmouth.

There is a buzz walking through the town as work takes place to get the stages ready in Church Street car park, Custom House Quay, and Events Square.

The festival will be further enhanced by the hundreds of traditional boats gathering for the Falmouth Classics Regatta. Over 150 boats are expected to attend, the itinerary will include racing as well as onshore events, culminating in the spectacular parade of sail on the final day, Sunday 19th June.

Click here to see more from Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival.

Church Street car park, Falmouth. Sea Shanty preparations.

Work starts for the Sea Shanty Festival in Custom House Quay.