Brancaster Staithe shanty festival raises thousands for lifesaving charities

The three-day festival in September, where more than 20 groups performed, raises 5 thousand pounds.

Organisers of the Sea Shanty Festival say this year was 'off the scale'.

Sam Ireson, who sings in Nelson’s Shantymen and is part of the team that put on the event says, “Our main aim was to bring the community together and raise money for charity."

Which it did - 5 thousand pounds in total.

Nelson's Shanteymen, Image Chris Bishop

Half has been given to Hunstanton RNLI, and the rest to the National Coastwatch Institution, who work closely with the Hunstanton crew.

Hunstanton RNLI's lifeboat operations manager Mike Gould says the work of the station and more than 200 like it would not be possible 'without the kindness of those who support the charity that saves lives at sea'.

Sue Ireson from Nelson's Shantymen presents a cheque to Mike Gould, Image Chris Bishop

Sam hopes the success of the festival continues, raising even more for the life saving charities. Adding, "Hopefully it’ll keep on growing - roll on next year!"