PUBS reported record sales as 30 groups of sea shanty singers from across Europe descended on Falmouth for a weekend of traditional songs.

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Thousands of visitors flocked to the town for the three day celebration, billed as the biggest free maritime music event in the world.

The singers came from far and wide, including from Germany, Norway, Holland and France, as well as from across the UK.

Falmouth town manager Richard Gates is chairman of the festival.

He said: “What a weekend. Everywhere you went in Falmouth town you could hear sea shanties and rousing music ringing out and the atmosphere was electric.

“Highlights for me included the evening performances at the Customs House Quay stage on the Saturday and of course, the appearance by the ever popular Fisherman’s Friends on the final day. It must have been good as one pub reported record sales.

“I really think we’ve become part of the sea shanty calendar and it’s wonderful to see the town full of people who share a common love – singing.

“I also delight in hearing the international voices within our community, some of us even tried having a go at speaking a little Dutch and a little Norwegian, but we weren’t very good.

“I’d like to thank all our supporters and our sponsors who ensure the event can continue, all the local pubs, cafes and hoteliers who provide venues, accommodation and friendship.

“We’re also continually grateful to Skinner’s Brewery who do so much to keep the festival alive and to the indomitable Betty Stogs, who spends the whole weekend entertaining the crowds and collecting for the RNLI.

“This year we dedicated the event to RNLI Chaplain, pub Landlord and sea shanty fan, the Reverend Barrington Bennetts who passed away last December. He loved this festival and was sorely missed this year.”