Falmouth International Sea Shanty Fundraiser Returns This February

Cornwall prepares for the world’s biggest free nautical music celebration

The award-winning Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival is gearing up for its 21st edition, taking place from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June 2025. More than 85 local, national and international groups will perform across around 30 venues, bringing sea shanties and songs of the sea to life throughout the harbour town.

The festival has grown from a pub idea into what is now Europe’s largest free nauti

This Sea Shanty Night in Falmouth Is Back and Tickets Are Selling

The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Fundraiser is returning to Falmouth next month, bringing a full evening of maritime music to the town in support of one of Cornwall’s best known festivals.

Fundraiser Night at Princess Pavilion

The fundraiser takes place on Friday 20th February 2026, starting at 7pm, at the Princess Pavilion on Melville Road.

Four well known local groups will be performing on the night: Bryher’s Boys, Toby Webb, Stuns’ls and The Countrymen. The event offers a chance to enjoy sea shanties and Cornish songs while supporting the wider festival.

Supporting the Sea Shanty Festival and RNLI

The fundraiser supports the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, with funds also helping its principal charity partner, the RNLI.

The main festival takes place from 12th to 14th June 2026 and is described as one of the largest free nautical music and song festivals in Europe. Visitors travel from around the world to enjoy live shanty music across three days.

The shoreside festival runs alongside Falmouth Classics, a three day heritage boat regatta featuring racing, parades and onshore events.

A Taste of What’s to Come

The February fundraiser is billed as a preview of what audiences can expect from the summer festival. Those attending will also have the chance to win prizes donated by festival venues, sponsors and other local businesses. Further details about the prizes will be shared on the festival’s official website and social media channels.

Pat Hobden from the Sea Shanty Organising Committee said:
“This is a great opportunity to get excited for the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival and the chance to listen to a few of the groups who will be performing there. The fundraiser is always well received, so make sure you get your tickets early to avoid missing out!”

Trevor Brookes from Bryher’s Boys added:
“The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival Fundraiser will be one of the first gigs of a very busy year ahead for Bryher’s Boys and we are looking forward to sharing the stage with some of the very best of the Cornwall shanty scene. Make sure you come down to show your support for this long standing festival.”

Tickets and Further Information

Tickets cost £10 plus a booking fee and are available via the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival website.

Further information about both the fundraiser and the main festival can also be found on the official festival website.

cal music and song festival, attracting over 50,000 visitors per day. Audiences pack into pubs, hotels, cafes and community spaces around Falmouth, all joining in to celebrate Cornwall’s deep maritime roots through music.