DESPITE the weather throwing everything it could at the weekend's sea shanty festival, nothing could sink the spirits of the thousands of people and performers who attended the spectacular event.

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival got off to a blazing start on Friday with bright sunshine as the town sweltered in a mini heatwave. Revellers thronged the streets, bars and special stages throughout the town.

While Saturday started off well with sunshine, by mid afternoon heavy rain and strong winds forced a number of stages to be closed in the evening for public safety.

 

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival round-up: Opening the festival!

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival round-up: Opening the festival!

 

The Skinner's Stage at Events Square was the first to be temporarily closed just after 4pm, before organisers came to an eventual decision at 5.15pm to shut the venue for the duration of the night.

This led to the cancellation of the Fisherman's Friends, along with a number of other acts. The Seasalt Stage, the Church Street Stage and The Pier Stage were also closed.

 

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival round-up

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival round-up

 

A post on the organisation's Facebook page said: "It’s with huge disappointment that we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel all performances at Events Square this evening.

 

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival round-up

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival round-up

 

Despite heavy rain forecast, Sunday got off to a great start. The Longest Johns got the crowds going at Skinner's Brewery Stage at Event Square and Flash Jack were in fine voice at Seasalt Cornwall Stage on Customs House Quay and the rain held off until late afternoon.

 

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival round-up

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival round-up

 

Richard Gates, Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival Chair said: ‘What an amazing weekend! It has been a monumental challenge for us as the Town Team and all our partners in the current climate, to lay on this free festival for the benefit of all.

"It really is testament to the strength of our amazing community and the many individuals who have given up hundreds of hours over the past few months, that it has come to fruition. The festival really needs more volunteers to help with its development moving forward, so do get in touch via the festival website falmouthseashanty.co.uk

Mr Gates continued: ‘And not even the freak stormy weather on Saturday could deter the thousands of people from coming into town over the three days, providing a much needed economic and social boost. On behalf of everyone involved, thank you and hope you all enjoyed it!’