Overview
The annual Lizard Sea Shanty Festival is held in Cornwall in aid of The Lizard RNLI Lifeboat Station.
The festival began in 2023, most recently being held on the weekend of the 5th/6th September 2025, with the next scheduled to take place on the 12th September 2026. It has proved to be a great success and has continued to grow in size year-on-year, now being one of the largest held in the country.
A Cornish Sea Shanty Festival is a vibrant celebration of Cornwall’s rich maritime heritage, brought to life through rousing songs, traditional music, and a strong sense of community spirit.
Sailors once sang sea shanties to maintain rhythm and high morale while working aboard ships.
Today, they’re sung with passion and pride to keep our coastal culture alive.
At a festival like ours on The Lizard Peninsula, you’ll hear everything from heart-thumping harmonies to tear-jerking ballads, performed by local shanty groups and special guests.
It’s a chance to sing along, tap your feet, and soak up the salty soul of Cornwall.
But it’s not just about the music — it’s about people coming together in the spirit of community.
You’ll find family-friendly, live performances, local food and drink, lots of laughter, and a strong sense of togetherness .
Whether you’re a lifelong local or visiting for the first time, a Cornish Sea Shanty Festival is a joyful, unforgettable way to celebrate Cornwall’s seafaring past — and its thriving creative present.
The Lizard Sea Shanty Festival isn’t just another music event — it’s a celebration of community, culture, and Cornwall’s proud maritime spirit at the very edge of the land in the southernmost part of Britain.
“Our festival is for everyone, which is why we’ve taken extra care to make it accessible — from step-free pathways to friendly support on hand.
We aim to create a welcoming space for all.”