Overview
The one, the only Mevagissey Shanty Festival. A Festival of song and music, celebrating sea shanties and more!
Mevagissey Shanty Festival is run entirely by volunteers, brought together by a shared love of the sea, shanty singing and Mevagissey. Each year, we create a joyful weekend of shanties, with talented groups singing for the sheer pleasure of it — while also supporting our local economy during the quieter months and raising funds for projects that benefit our community.
Over one lively weekend, (16-18 October 2026) 20 venues across Mevagissey and neighbouring Pentewan ring out with song. We believe shanties are for everyone, so all performances are free to attend.
In Mevagissey, everything happens within 150 metres of the harbour and our Keltek Brewery–sponsored main stage marquee, creating the friendly, close-knit buzz that makes the festival feel so special. In Pentewan, venues are just an easy stroll apart on flat ground, and a free shanty shuttle bus runs between the two villages so you can enjoy it all.
It’s a celebration of song, sea and the unique spirit of Mevagissey.
Mevagissey Shanty Festival — proudly for One and All. Onan hag oll.
The ethos of the Mevagissey Shanty Festival is to increase commerce and trade in the local area in a traditionally quiet period after the summer crowds leave and a few return for the October half term break. We also aim to raise funds for local community groups to benefit the wider community.
The festival was founded by Tristan Netherton of The Stuns’ls Shanty Group in 2019 and has grown dramatically requiring significant volunteer planning throughout the year.
Performers arrive from all over the UK and we also welcome a few from Europe. All performers give their time free of charge and many return each year.