Falmouth's roaring Sea Shanty Festival to raise money for the RNLI

by Sail-World Cruising round-up on 8 Mar 2011 The age of the Sea Shanty might be gone, but the ringing repetitive rhythms never lose their allure - and what better way for raising money for the volunteer organisation which devotes itself to saving of lives at sea?

This year again in the UK's Falmouth one of the most engaging festivals in the world will again take place, the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival. If you can be anywhere near to Cornwall in June this year, it's a 'must see'!

This very popular festival, which started as an idea 'over a beer' by a couple of the locals, and is run every year by the www.falmouthshout.com!Falmouth_Shout, is predicted to be the biggest yet this year, with 27 acts, some of them famous throughout the Sea Shanty world of singers.

Billed as the largest free festival of maritime music on the planet, the three day festival will again donate all its profits to the Royal National Livesaving Institution (RNLI).

Every year of its previous six years, the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival has continued to grow and has now donated more than £20,000 to the RNLI, which as a charity relies on public support.

As Festival founder John Warren told reporters last week, ‘Sea shanties were used to inspire and help sailors as they set about mundane and physically tough jobs like hauling ropes to unfurl sails, or to heave up the anchor on the old sailing ships.

'They might not need this musical stimulation on a lifeboat these days, but they do still need the money to support the lifesaving work of the RNLI’s volunteer crews and lifeguards. So what better way to raise funds, than to provide a superb weekend of shanty singing?’

This year there will be groups coming from other countries such as France, Holland and even Norway, where the Viking tradtion is sea shanties is strong.

According to Warren there will also be 'outbreaks of shanty singing' in the local pubs, and the entire festival will act as a tribute to the tough sailors of yore. and what better place to hold such a festival?

Warren says, ‘You couldn’t ask for a better backdrop really, overlooking the Carrick Roads where Packet Ships used to moor and the old clippers were a regular sight. The event is free, fun and frenetic and we aim to ensure three things – the groups have a good time, the crowds enjoy themselves and any profit goes to the RNLI who have supported us for the last six years.'

From 5.00pm on the Sunday afternoon, all the performers will be invited to gather at the Custom House Quay for an informal singing session that will bow the festival out.

What a great idea this festival is, and a great way to raise money. Those of you who wish to raise money for your local charity could well take note!