The programme for the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival has landed with the start of the largest free nautical music festival in Europe approaching quickly.

The programme was unveiled this week with festival-goers understandably delighted as the popular event returns after covid.

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.

As reported last month, Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival said this would be the "biggest and best yet in its nineteen-year history" with seventy-one participating groups and some seven hundred performers.

It all kicks off on Friday 17th June with shanty groups performing from 1pm at numerous venues across town including Skinner's Stage Events Square, Church Street stage, Five Degrees Garden, and The Seven Stars, among many others. There will be an official opening ceremony in Events Square at 6:30pm on Friday.

The fun continues on Saturday with performances from Exmouth Shanty Men, The 85ers, Culdrose Military Wives Choir, and Portsmouth Shantymen, among a host of other brilliant groups. The last performances take place at 11:30pm.

Sunday (19th) there is a Falmouth Classics Parade of Sail 10:30am-11:30am at Pendennis Point, Rum & Shrub, Captain Cat and the Sailors, The Oggymen at Windjammer, plus loads of others, and rounding off with an all-in performance at Skinner's Stage Events Square from 5:30pm.

An Arts & Crafts Market will take place on Church Street Car Park on the following days:

Friday 17th June - 10am - 6pm

Saturday 18th June - 10am - 6pm

Sunday 19th June - 10am - 5pm

A spokesperson for Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival commented:

"The committee have worked long and hard on this so a big thank you to them for all their hard work. All your favourite groups are back so download the programme here to start planning your festival."

The programme is subject to change - refer to the festival website for updates.

Click here to see the full programme.