Over 65,000 visitors of all ages are estimated to have attended the 21st International Sea Shanty Festival in Falmouth from 13-15 June. Raising over £21,000 for the RNLI, the free festival continues to grow in size and popularity, this year hosting 85 groups in 28 venues across the town. One of these is the Falmouth Parish Church of King Charles the Martyr (KCM), prominenly located in the heart of the main street. Over the weekend the church hosted some 15 groups, including their own shanty singers The Following Seas, composed of members of the church choir supplemented on this occasion with visiting members of Lincoln Cathedral Choral Scholars. Many groups commented on how much they enjoy singing in the church with its excellent acoustics – and audiences appreciated the chance to sit down, not always possible in some venues!
On Sunday morning the church was packed for the annual interdenominational Shanty Festival Service, jointly organised by KCM and Falmouth Methodist Church, with music from The Following Seas and two visiting groups, Molgoggers from Cobh in Ireland and Orkney Sea Shanty Society briging a taste of the Orkney Islands to Falmouth! Both these groups performed outside the church prior to the service, and afterwards over refreshments.
Next year’s Festival runs from Fri 12th – Sun 14th June 2026 – pop the date in your diary now!
Post expires on August 16th, 2025
