Overview
Kelp! is a small, eclectic group of men from Swanage in the Isle of Purbeck who have discovered the pleasure of singing traditional sailors’ songs and raising money of good causes.
They share a love of the sea and a re drawn from a common background of local sailors lifeboat volunteers and friends.
Whilst Kelp! have more than 300 years of experience, most of it has nothing to do with singing shanties, or songs of the sea. Neither do they have any formal training or coaching, which is reflected in the authentic delivery of their working songs, ballads and duets which takes the audience back to tough times at sea and wild times in port. Increasingly popular at local events over recent years, Kelp! has a wide appeal to young and old, their raw enthusiasm always proves infectious
The inaugural Swanage Shanty Festival will feature the best shanty groups around! Hosted by Kelp!, and held at the Mowlem, this will be a festival you won’t want to miss.
There is a saying in Swanage: ‘If you stand still long enough Kelp will sing at you’.
This developed into an idea that came after several pints and refused to go away.
There was no public demand.
No feasibility study.
But in 2026 we will bring our friends from near and far to The Mowlem on 21st November and sing our socks off! The RNLI will receive all proceeds, Hattie Brown’s Brewery is on full alert to ensure the bar is stocked.
In short, it will be a day to remember.