Hundreds of events planned at town shanty festival

Grietje Sprot, a traditional Fishwives Choir from Hindeloopen in the Netherlands, are among the acts who have taken part in the past

A traditional sea shanty festival is returning next month with acts travelling to an Essex coastal town from all over Europe.

Set up in 2006, the not-for-profit festival in Harwich is set for its 19th event.

It will begin at 11:30 BST on 11 October and run until 13 October, with town crier Richard Bench and Sue Daish, Harwich's first female high steward, getting festivities under way.

The 234 events include concerts, workshops and talks, with 197 of them free to participate in.

It will see 48 acts performing across multiple venues, including local pubs, St Nicholas Church and aboard the sailing barge Victor.

Trinity House car park will be available for use by festival visitors over the weekend and there will be a shanty bus to transport people around the town.