Overview
Weston-super-Mare held its fifth Sea Shanty and Folk Music Festival in Somerset this year, hosted by The Steepholmers Shanty Band.
It took place from Friday, August 1, to Sunday, August 3, 2025 with a variety of bands performing at 15 venues across the town.
The event raises funds for the Weston-super-Mare RNLI and the Weston-super-Mare Lions Club.
The festival is free to attend, except for the Grand Pier, and featured around 60 bands and 320 performers from the UK, the USA, and France.
Visitors can see pirates near the shore and enjoy over 200 hours of music from a host of shanty and folk performers.
All bands have donated their services for free in support of the chosen charities.
Attendees can donate at collection points across the town throughout the weekend.
A parade featuring the bands will take place on Saturday morning from 11am, starting at Big Lamp Corner and following the High Street to the Italian Gardens.
The festival is a major event in the South West’s music calendar, offering a chance to enjoy live music in a safe and family-friendly setting.
The modern revival of folk music has seen sea shanties become popular once again, with sea shanty bands now found across the country.