Mainstay

Mainstay are a London-based a capella singing group specialising in rousing songs about beer, drinking, sailors, the sea, and other stuff! Mainstay are available for gigs, events and parties in London and further afield.

Phil and Steve have been regularly singing at pub sing-around sessions in South London for a number or years, and during this time were joined by Tom McNulty. 

The three had been singing with another traditional shanty group, whereupon the idea for Mainstay group was conceived to bring a new style of vocal performance.

Mainstay have been regularly performing at the Hiver Taproom on the Bermondsey beer mile in London with their monthly evenings being well supported whilst the beer flowed! 

In 2025 Mainstay were pleased to support the Folk in a Field Festival in Norfolk both as both performers and hosts of a shanty singing workshop. 

With the guys being based in the South of England, local Norfolk singer Mike Flower (aka Michel Le Fleur) has joined with the group now branching further afield to bring their performance to the east coast. 

Audience participation with the songs is encouraged and a good time is guaranteed.. as well as a croaky voice the next morning!