Sirens at the Helm

Sirens at the Helm are a West Norfolk female shanty crew based in Snettisham We sing songs of the sea to raise money for charity. An amateur group with a love and passion for music and the sea – singing with heart and soul!

Mother and daughter, Lyndsey and Rachael, have always admired the energy and songs of the local sea-shantymen, with their stories of the hardships at sea and camaraderie, and challenges they historically faced. 

It occurred to Rachael while watching a live performance of a male sea-shanty group that she had never seen females singing this genre, and asked if there were any local female groups. The reply was emphatically

“No, but you could always, set up a group”. 

Discussing this with her Mum, Lyndsey and friend Mariana, who has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to sea-shanties, the idea of Sirens at the Helm was born. 

In February 2023, a local viewing of the film Fishermans Friends, leaflets promoted the first meeting of Sirens at the Helm at The Shepherds Port, Snettisham, near the beach. Ten interested ladies came along and since then our numbers have swelled to a 25 strong crew and we always have a waiting list. 

Our motley crew is Captained by a committee. Lyndsey is our talented Captain of the Harmonies and she is supported by Rosie to ensure we are singing at the right time, from the right song sheet. Sarah and Mariana are our Quartermasters, keeping our crew on the straight and narrow and funds in check. Natalie is First Mate of Social Media and ensures that our website and socials tell folks where to find us and Rachael is First Mate of the Gigs and secures our public and private bookings. 

Everyone in Sirens at the Helm is grateful to Lorraine & Dave at The Shepherds Port they host us every Monday evening and often people come to sup and listen to our practices.

The group covers King’s Lynn · Snettisham · Wells next the Sea · Burnham Market · Thornham, Norfolk · Brancaster · Hunstanton · Norwich · Fakenham · and Old Hunstanton in the U.K