THE 21st Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, which attracted ‘phenomenal’ footfall and enthusiasm, 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.

The Falmouth Main Stage - Credit AnTreth Photography.
The Falmouth Main Stage. Picture: AnTreth Photography
Freddie's Barnet most raised per head - Credit AnTreth Photography.
Freddie's Barnet most raised per head. Picture: AnTreth Photography

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 seafront hotel at Castle Beach, was also a resounding success.

The 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, CORNWALL - JUNE 14TH 2025 : The 2025 Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival. Photographed by Hugh Hastings of Wonderland for Falmouth Town Council. Image features The Oggeymen at Princess Pavilion.
A packed Princess Pavilion. Picture: Hugh Hastings
FALMOUTH, CORNWALL - JUNE 14TH 2025 : The 2025 Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival. Photographed by Hugh Hastings of Wonderland for Falmouth Town Council.
Falmouth Marine Band. Picture: Hugh Hastings

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival has provided inspiration for other ports and seafaring locations 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.

Betty Stoggs - Credit Falmouth Town Team.
Betty Stoggs paid a visit. Picture: Falmouth Town Team
Orkney Sea Society - Credit Falmouth Town Team.
Orkney Sea Society. Picture: Falmouth Town Team

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.

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.

FALMOUTH, CORNWALL - JUNE 15TH 2025 : The 2025 Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival. The crowd enjoy the last performance of the year on the Seasalt Stage in Events Square by The Oggymen. Photographed by Hugh Hastings of Wonderland for Falmouth Town Council.
Dancing at the Seasalt main stage. Picture: Hugh Hastings
FALMOUTH, CORNWALL - JUNE 13TH 2025 : The 2025 Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival. Photographed by Hugh Hastings of Wonderland for Falmouth Town Council. Image features Falmouth Town Crier Bobby Inman.
Falmouth town crier opens the festival. Picture: Hugh Hastings

“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.”