The 20th Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival 2024 takes place this weekend sponsored by Sharp’s Brewing Co which also celebrates an anniversary this year.
Taking place from June 14 to 16, the event marks a significant milestone year for both the event and Sharp’s, which celebrates 30 years of brewing excellence this year.
Sharp’s Brewing Co has been a strong supporter of Cornish community events and festivals such as this one since its inception all those years ago.
The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, one of the largest, free nautical music festivals in Europe, celebrates Cornwall's rich seafaring heritage and draws thousands of visitors from around the globe to this ‘port with a purpose’.
This year’s special event will see over 80 groups perform their shanties across over 20 venues and three large main outdoor stages.
Additionally, there will be two commemorative performances to celebrate two decades of the festival by the five original groups that performed at the very first event in 2004.
Sharp’s Brewing Co has supported the event since 2023 and this year will be delivering its multi-award-winning portfolio of beers and ales to festivalgoers across the event as well as to performers to enjoy in venues across the town.
The event’s main stage in Church Street carpark will be named The Sharp’s Stage and will feature an array of shanty groups from 1pm – 10pm on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June, and from 12pm – 4.30pm on Sunday 16th June.
Venues taking part this year include Chintz, The Chain Locker, The Cornish Bank, The Boathouse, The Front, The Grapes, Quayside and the Seven Stars. For a full list of venues go to www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk/venues/
With performances from 80+ groups across various venues, Falmouth will be filled with songs of the sea at the three-day festival. There are groups from the UK as well as groups travelling from overseas to be part of the festival.
They include Acapella Moonshine, an all-female group with members living in and around Falmouth, All At Sea, 14 women from Salisbury, The Back Beach Buoys, Cornwall Barrett’s Privateers, Bryher’s Boys as well as many others. For a full list and details go to www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk/groups/
In addition to the main town wide event, a special Gala Concert will take place at the Princess Pavilion on Friday, June 14.
Sharp’s Brewing Company’s Brand Activation Manager, Nick White, says, “The Sharp’s team and I really enjoy supporting the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival. It is such great few days and has done incredibly well, growing exponentially in scale and popularity over recent years.
“We’re looking forward to yet again bringing our beers and cider to the festival this year. Performing shanties and entertaining the crowds deserves a show of appreciation, so we are really pleased to also be providing the opportunity for a beer on us to the performers this year.”
Falmouth Town Manager, Richard Gates says, "Having Sharp’s Brewing Co as one of our main sponsors for this landmark year is a great boost for the festival. Their support ensures we can continue to deliver a top-notch event that highlights the best of Falmouth and Cornish maritime tradition to a global audience.
“We are incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors and partners, including The Greenbank Hotel, Seasalt, Sharp’s Brewing Co, Falmouth BID, Falmouth Town Council and event production partner, South West Bars and Events.”
In keeping with tradition, the event will continue to support and fundraise for the RNLI who are celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea this year. To donate to the festival and see the full details go to www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk.
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