RESIDENTS are being told to expect the streets of Falmouth to be filled with the traditional songs of the sea as the International Sea Shanty Festival returns by popular demand in June 2023.

The welcome return of the live festival last year was hailed as a huge success, and it was a joy to see huge numbers of people flooding back into the town to enjoy their favourite groups and performers.

The festival will return this year from 16 – 18 June 2023, with performances taking place at various venues throughout Falmouth and on the large, waterfront outdoor stages.

It promises to be another stellar year for the event. Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival has become the largest free nautical music festival in Europe and the organisers are expecting this year to be the biggest and best yet in its twenty-year history.

“We’ve already confirmed many of the groups who’ll be taking part and they’re all looking forward to returning to Falmouth in June” said Keven Ayres from the Sea Shanty Organising Committee.

He continues, “they were all overwhelmed with the atmosphere and are excited to once again take to the stage to perform their favourite songs and shanties”.

“The event is a tremendous occasion for the town” says Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Manager.

“The spectacle will be further enhanced by the hundreds of traditional boats taking part in the Falmouth Classics Regatta, which is organised to coincide with the festival. It really is a special event for the town and one much loved by locals and visitors alike”.

Falmouth Packet: Crowds at last year's Sea Shanty festivalCrowds at last year's Sea Shanty festival (Image: Falmouth BID)

As the festival approaches, official fundraising merchandise featuring a range of clothing, CDs, pin badges and more, will be available through the website, the Cornish Store and festival shops.

In keeping with tradition, shanty groups will compete to ‘Beat Betty’ in her efforts to raise money.

The Falmouth RNLI is the festival's chosen charity. In excess of £100,000 has been donated over the years. In addition to the main town wide event, a special Gala Concert will take place at the Princess Pavilion.

There was disappointment last year as bad weather caused a number of stages to close.

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.

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.

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.