Falmouth is about to be filled with the unique and distinctive sound of songs of the sea as the International Sea Shanty Festival returns next month.

Following a gap of two years when the festival was held in a virtual format, organisers say they are now confident that they have a winning combination of both new and existing venues to ensure audience enjoyment and safety.

Encompassing as it does, a good part of the town, the team behind what has become the largest free nautical music festival in Europe feel that this year will be the biggest and best yet in its nineteen-year history.

John Warren from the Sea Shanty Organising Committee said:

"Running from the 17th to 19th of June, the event will echo to the sound of shanty men from all over the UK and beyond.

"Totalling some seven hundred performers, the seventy-one participating groups are sure to bring a tremendous atmosphere to the town and its waterfront. The spectacle will be further enhanced by the hundreds of traditional boats compromising the Falmouth Classics Regatta."

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. Official fundraising merchandise featuring a new range of festival wear, CDs, pin badges, and more, will be available through the website, the Cornish Store, and festival shops.

In keeping with tradition, shanty groups will compete to 'Beat Betty' in her efforts to raise money. The Falmouth RNLI is the festival's chosen charity for which over £100,000 has been donated over the years. In addition to the main town-wide event, a special Gala Concert entitled Shipshape and Bristol Fashion will feature performers from the Severn Estuary region. It's taking place at the Princess Pavilion on Saturday, June 18th with tickets priced at £15 (+ a £1.50 booking fee) going on sale via See Tickets.

A spokesperson for Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival added:

"A big thanks to our main sponsors The Greenbank Hotel, Seasalt, Skinners, Falmouth BID, and Falmouth Town Council for their continued support of the festival."

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