Overview
The one, the only Mevagissey Shanty Festival. A Festival of song and music, celebrating sea shanties and more!
This year (2025) we have a record 85 groups performing, 18 venues and over 300 performances and workshops over 3 glorious days, performing at venues in Mevagissey and the surrounding villages
The festival was founded by Tristan Netherton of The Stuns’ls Shanty Group in 2019. The intention was to showcase the tradition of shanty singing which is closely linked to merchant sailing ships. Originating in the 16th Century shanties grew in popularity from the 19th Century known as hauling shanties bringing a rhythm to the crew hauling ropes and setting sail. We are promoting the sustainability of this long tradition working with local schools who will perform on Sunday morning.
The ethos of the Mevagissey Shanty Festival is to increase commerce and trade in the local area in a traditionally quiet period after the summer crowds leave and a few return for the October half term break. We also aim to raise funds for local community groups to benefit the wider community.
The festival has grown dramatically requiring significant volunteer planning throughout the year.
Performers arrive from all over the UK and we also welcome a few from Europe. All performers give their time free of charge and many return each year.