Kathleen and May Folk and Shanty Weekend, Gloucester Docks

The Kathleen and May Folk and Shanty Weekend, Gloucester Docks was an event held aboard the ship, the Kathleen and May to try to save this amazing old wooden sailing ship by fundraising more than £250,000 for urgent repairs. The 125-year-old coastal schooner is currently laid up in Gloucester Docks and there are plans afoot to stabilise its structure. It is the last working three mast, wooden hull topsail schooner and the only one of her class still in operation.

The festival took place on Saturday 1st November and Sunday 2nd November 2025and included a traditional mix of shanties, folk music and songs of the sea, with lively melodies that celebrate maritime history and the joy of community spirit

Local musicians and performers from as far away as Western Scotland came to support this old ship.

There were sing-arounds held on both eventings, hosted by:

Saturday: Jamie Robinson

Sunday: Dave Crofts.