Thousands enjoy Sea Shanty Festival in Brancaster Staithe

More than 20 groups performed at the 5 venues, organisers say this year was 'off the scale'.

“It’s been really busy, the roads have been packed,” Skip tells me, he’s been helping out with parking at the village hall - where I can hear shanties being sung. At the doorway is James Cooper-Watson, who’s part of a trio called Freddie’s Barnet and has performed at all 5 venues (Village Hall, Jolly Sailors, The White Horse, St Mary’s Church at Burnham Deepdale and Deepdale Camping).

“It’s been wonderful, Brancaster Staithe is one of our favourite festivals, because it’s so friendly and lovely to do, we do all the other big festivals around the country - but this is where our heart is.”

Freddie's Barnet with one of the organiser's Sue Ireson

He walks with me to the Jolly Sailor and introduces father and son Steve and Sam Ireson, who’re part the team who organise the event, and also sing in Nelson’s Shantymen. Steve says, “It’s been off the scale this year, it keeps growing every year and getting better and better all the time - we are really pleased. We’ve got some new groups this year and we’ve just talked to some of them who want to get booked in ready for 2026.”

Sam says ‘it means the world’ to see people enjoying themselves, adding, “Especially when it’s all for charity as well, our main aim was to bring the community together and raise money for charity. Hopefully it’ll keep on growing - roll on next year!"

Nelson's Shanteymen, Image Chris Bishop

More than 20 acts performed over the 3 days, and money raised goes to the local RNLI and the National Coastwatch Institution, which operates a look-out station on the nearby beach.

Hertford Shanty Folk, image Chris Bishop

The Wellington Wailers from West Sussex are about to sing - before the group takes to the stage I get a chance to speak to a few of them. John Charlish, who was born in Great Yarmouth, says, “It’s a really great little festival, everybody’s so friendly, we know some of the other groups and there’re just loads of really nice people.”

25 year old Charlie Planson is the youngest member by ‘a reasonable amount’ he jokes. I ask what it’s like to sing shanties, “It’s quite invigorating in a way, quite freeing, it’s hard to put it into words but when you’re up on stage with everyone else, and you’re all harmonising, and you’re all together - it’s - and this sounds really corny -  it’s a warming feeling, it’s pretty incredible to be honest.”

The Wellington Wailers

I’ll be honest too, I only thought I’d stay for a few songs and move to another venue - but I stayed for the whole set.  The crowd getting out of their seats and joining in, especially when they performed 'Drunken Sailor'.

I spot a lady in her 80’s avidly singing along, and make my way to her to have a chat.  Angie, who’s followed the group from Sussex, tells me she’s their biggest fan. When I asked what she loves about shanties, she laughs and says, “The entertainment, the history and the men!”  Brilliant.

Sue from Oxford, who's dressed as a pirate, says, "It's just good fun isn't it, have an ale or two - sing the sea shanties, amazing."

And as I walk out with a smile on my face - having sung along and danced - I am already thinking about booking a babysitter for next year so I can make the most of the 3 day festival.