Falmouth’s Virtual Sea Shanty Festival 2021 is finally here this weekend with a jam-packed evening full of singing, entertainment and an all-round shanty Saturday night party.

People can tune in to the live event from all over the world from 6pm this evening via Facebook or YouTube.

There are more than 40 group performances confirmed from Cornwall to Brittany, Holland, Spain, Ireland and even America.

This will be combined with fun and light-hearted presenting from Betty Stogs, Richard Gates and John Warren and a sea shanty karaoke sing-along.

With last year’s event having been viewed over 100,000 times online and the recent trend of sea shanties, the organisers are hoping for a successful virtual event reaching all across the globe.

Shanty fans are even planning their own “pirate parties” and “best dressed Betty” competitions from their own homes to get involved on the night.

The event is free to view, but organisers said it would be "great" if people could donate, which will go towards its chosen charity, RNLI.

The event will be held at Cornwall Channel studios, who have been working hard on the tech behind the scenes to ensure the event runs smoothly and can be viewed far and wide.

Falmouth Packet:

Mr Gates, chairman of Falmouth’s International Sea Shanty Committee and Falmouth Town Manager, said: “With the success of last year’s virtual event and the physical festival being cancelled again this year, it seemed right to bring you all a bit of shanty spirit to enjoy from the comfort of your own homes again.

“It was so well received for 2020 and we hope to reach even more people for 2021.

“Not only will people in Cornwall and across the UK be watching, but we are expecting viewers from as far as South Africa, Australia and the USA.”

“It is also important to note that the event is completely free to view, but it would be great if people can donate to the festival via the Falmouth Sea Shanty website.”

People can donate at www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk The festival has also brought back a selection of merchandise for people to purchase online, including a CD with 40 tracks.

Proceeds from the CD – which is also available on USB or download - will go to the Royal Cornwall Hospital COVID-19 Charity Fund and future festivals.

Not only can you purchase the CD but can also buy one of the renowned festival t-shirts or polos, back for 2021 in burgundy and available in various sizes. Visit the festival shop at falmouthseashanty.co.uk/festival-shop/

Skinner's Brewery mascot and charity fundraiser Betty Stogs raised an incredible £13,500 for the 2020 festival last year and is excited to be a part of this year’s virtual event again.

Falmouth Packet:

Each year at the festival Betty challenges the Sea Shanty groups to try and beat the total she raises. So not to miss out this year, Betty has set up her own online JustGiving Page justgiving.com/campaign/BeatBettyStogsChallenge2021 and is asking the groups to take up the Beat Betty challenge and try and beat her own target of £1,000.

“The Sea Shanty Festival is the highlight of my year, and I am really looking forward to another great evening of virtual shanties and suggest you get your bottles of fine Skinner’s ales in ready for the night!” said Betty.

The Beat Betty competition results will be announced live on the virtual event.

“A big thanks to festival's main sponsors Seasalt Cornwall and Skinners Brewery for their continued support, and to the Greenbank Hotel for their involvement too. Falmouth International Sea Shanty would also like to welcome Goldmine Radio Station who have come on board to support the festival this year.”

Falmouth’s Virtual Festival Live event can be tuned into via facebook.com/falmouthinternationalseashantyfestival/live or https://www.youtube.com/c/LoveFalmouthUK