Sea shanties to echo across Norfolk coast for festival

A total of 17 groups will be performing at six venues at Brancaster Staithe at the weekend.

The event starts at 6pm on Friday at the Jolly Sailors, with a performance from Hoy Boy.

Other acts taking part throughout the weekend include Nelson's Shantymen, Blakeney Old Wild Rovers and the Sheringham Shantymen.

A charity lottery is also taking place, with proceeds going to RNLI Wells Next-the-Sea and the National Coastwatch Institution at Brancaster.

Seveneteen shanty groups are coming together at six destinations in Brancaster Staithe (Image: Submitted)

Sam Ireson, a Nelson’s Shantyman said: "We are extremely excited about this now annual event. 

"We have a great following in North Norfolk and to organise an event where 17 like-minded shanty groups can sing along to raise funds for local charities is very special.

"A tremendous amount of hard work has gone into organising this year's festival which is being sponsored by Anglian Country Inns, Holts Auctioneers & Sowerby’s.

"We can’t wait to entertain our audience

"Let’s make waves and create unforgettable memories whilst supporting our wonderful community."

Blakeney Old Wild Rovers will be among those performing (Image: Submitted)

Simon Parkin, manager at the Jolly Sailors, said: "We are delighted to be hosting this wonderful festival in our village and extremely proud that Nelson’s Shantymen are ‘resident’ at the Jolly Sailors and practice here every Monday evening where the idea of holding this festival originated. 

"It is wonderful that this is a fundraising event too and this year all monies raised with be split between Wells RNLI and NCI Brancaster. 

"We are truly grateful to all local businesses who have donated prizes for our charity lottery, as well as all the people and venues involved to make the event one of the friendliest shanty festivals there is."