‘Phenomenal’ 21st Falmouth international sea shanty festival raises more than ever-before for RNLI

The 21st Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival attracted ‘phenomenal’ footfall and enthusiasm, from across the world and is expected to raise a record-breaking amount for the RNLI, with further donations still rolling in.

Across the weekend, despite mixed weather conditions, more than 65,000 people from all over the globe descended upon the port to enjoy maritime melodies from over 85 local, national and international sea shanty groups in venues and on outdoor stages right through the town.

For the first-time ever, a livestream feed on Events Square meant that shanty enthusiasts from anywhere in the world could also join in from the comfort of their own homes and a new stage at ‘The Falmouth’, the iconic seafront hotel at Castle Beach, was also a resounding success.                           

The award-winning festival started back in 2004 as a grassroots event with a modest five groups popping up around the town’s Custom House Quay to make their voices heard. Fast-forward to 2025 and the Falmouth gathering has witnessed impressive growth and demand.  Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival has provided inspiration for other ports and seafaring locations around the world who have followed their lead as the trend for shanty writing and performance events grows exponentially.

27 venues throughout the Falmouth area were involved in 2025’s festival, all of which benefited from increased consumer footfall and spend. Even Friday’s rain showers were no deterrent as revellers came out to bop and sway to the salty beats of their favourite bands. Over £21,300 was recorded in donations for the RNLI at the closing of the event, however donations are still rolling in.

The ever-growing success, and the volume of inbound staying national and international visitors, meant that across the 2025 weekend there was very little overnight accommodation available either in Falmouth itself or in the towns and villages around the port. The vital secondary economic benefits to the businesses in Falmouth, during these challenging times, are all the more appreciated right across the town.   

In the run-up to the festival, the lead organisers, a global music researcher and the director of the Institute of Cornish Studies at the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall collectively made a bold statement, asserting that sea shanties are the most accessible, inclusive and ageless form of performance music ever.  And the 21st iteration of the ever-popular event only served to prove their point, consolidating the port’s position as the backdrop for one of the world’s leading shanty festivals and the largest free nautical event in Europe.

Louise Batty of Warrens Bakery, who were a proud silver sponsor of the festival, said: “We have over 160 years of baking heritage and the 21st Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival was an incredible showcase of Cornish culture, energy, hospitality and musical enthusiasm.  Nothing keeps a shanty singer in fine voice like a proper Cornish pasty and as a sponsor, Warrens Bakery was chuffed to be fuelling every performer with a complimentary pasty, ensuring they were powered up for a weekend of toe-tapping tunes.  We were delighted to support the weekend of shanties and sea air and are very pleased to hear that over £21,300 was raised for our vital Cornish RNLI colleagues.”

Richard Gates, Festival Chair, said, “Yet again, our brilliant community has surpassed itself with the 21st Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival.  The turnout was no less than phenomenal! It is just staggering to see, and to feel, the enthusiasm amongst all the shanty groups and the audiences for this fine weekend of song, hospitality and Cornish maritime culture.  And great to witness how our festival is driving this historical form of performance and song ever-forward in new, and exciting, contemporary ways. Thank you to everyone for their appreciated patience in getting into, and around, the town which was quite simply, packed, all weekend long.”

The organisers highlight the significant contribution from the main sponsors and partners, including The Greenbank Hotel, Seasalt Cornwall, Warrens Bakery, Falmouth Town Council, Falmouth Business Improvement District and event production partner, South West Bars and Events. Furthermore, none of this would be possible without the strong support from the local community, including volunteers working on the organising group. All have been pivotal in enhancing the quality and coordination of the event.

For information on the festival, visit the website, www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk. In keeping with tradition, the event supported and fundraised for the RNLI who have been saving lives at sea for over 200 years.