Old Leigh Shanty Festival

Old Leigh Shanty Festival is held annually in the Essex village of the same name, near to Leigh-on-Sea and Southend. The village boasts some 1000 years of history as a fishing port.

The most recent festival:

Set Sail for a Weekend of Sea Shanties and Folk Magic in Old Leigh! Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May 2025

Ahoy there! Get ready to drop anchor in the heart of Old Leigh as the cobbled streets and salty air come alive with the rousing sound of sea shanties and stirring folk tunes.

Across the weekend, 20 lively shanty crews from near and far will descend on this iconic fishing village to share their passion for maritime music, echoing tales of adventure, stormy seas, and life on the open waves. All performers are giving their time and talent free of charge, underlining the festival’s community-driven spirit.

At the heart of it all is the Old Leigh Shanty Festival, taking place on the historic Strand Wharf—an unmissable spectacle set against the backdrop of boats, pubs, and tide-washed charm.

🎶 Come for the music, stay for the spirit—and feel the community vibe as we raise our voices and a few pints for a good cause!
Collections will be held in support of the RNLI Southend, the Endeavour Trust, and Leigh Lions—all helping to keep our coastal heritage and community strong.

The 2024 Old Leigh Shanty Festival was held on 17 & 18 May and features 15 premier maritime musical acts from across the island.

The 2023 edition of the Old Leigh Shanty Festival was hosted by The Brave Marauders on 20-21 May 2023.  “The Brave Marauders will be performing at various venues in the town throughout the week-end.”

“Old Leigh Shanty Festival” was to have been held on Saturday 10 September 2022, in conjunction with the Old Leigh Regatta on Sunday 11 September 2022; unfortunately, both events were cancelled.  The event was to include Songs of the Sea, Pirates, Dance & Drama, Performed by Shanty Crews & Folk Artistes.  It was a Southend Arts Festival Community Event Hosted by the Lions Club of Leigh on Sea and The Hoy at Anchor Folk Club.

The Old Leigh Shanty Festival would also appear to have been called “The Old Leigh Shanty Weekend.”