After three years, the phenomenal and award-winning Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival is back live in Falmouth - bigger and better than ever.

From Friday 17th to Sunday 19th June, more than 70 local, national and international sea shanty groups will perform in over 25 venues, in what has become the largest free maritime music festival in Europe.

Sea shanty groups will come together to perform on stages, in cafes, pubs, hotels, and community venues, bringing the history, heritage, and culture of maritime song to life in this vibrant Cornish port.

With more than 50,000 visitors expected, the organisers have added an additional stage venue at Church Street Car Park, which overlooks the stunning Falmouth harbour. This new area will be packed with live performances as well as an arts and crafts market over the weekend.

Planned to coincide is the Falmouth Classics regatta, one of the largest heritage sailing events in the UK. With over 150 boats attending, the itinerary will include racing as well as onshore events, culminating in the spectacular parade of sail on the final day, Sunday 19th June.

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. Colourful and fun this is a great opportunity for bands associated with the Breton culture and language to come together to celebrate seafaring and its associated music.

The festival will also host several all-female shanty groups including Femmes de la Mer from Cornwall. Fresh from touring with renowned musician Ben Howard, they will be performing their unique blend of Capella harmonies which has established their strong reputation within the folk and sea shanty communities.

For information on the festival including the detailed schedule, click here to visit the website.

Or click this link for more information on the Falmouth Classics.