Support for sea shanty event 'staggering to see'

Organisers said the festival, which took place in the Cornish port town over the weekend, had more than 65,000 visitors

A festival celebrating Cornish maritime culture has raised a record-breaking amount for charity, organisers have said.

The 21st Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival had more than 65,000 visitors over Saturday and Sunday, they said.

The event, which featured performances from local, national and international sea shanty groups, raised more than £21,300 for the RNLI.

Festival chairman Richard Gates said "the turnout was no less than phenomenal".

"It is just staggering to see, and to feel, the enthusiasm amongst all the shanty groups and the audiences for this fine weekend of song, hospitality and Cornish maritime culture," he said.

"It's great to witness how our festival is driving this historical form of performance and song ever-forward in new, and exciting, contemporary ways."

In 2025, more than 85 shanty bands performed at 27 venues throughout the Falmouth area

The award-winning festival began in 2004 as a grassroots event with five groups popping up around the town's Custom House Quay.

In 2025, more than 85 shanty bands performed at 27 venues throughout the Falmouth area.

Organisers said: "For the first-time ever, a livestream feed on Events Square meant that shanty enthusiasts from anywhere in the world could also join in from the comfort of their own homes."

Organisers said the festival would return on 12–14 June 2026.