A festival that aims to become an annual fixture in the Cornish music scene is returning for its second year.

The Saltash Songs & Shanties Festival will feature concerts and music workshops across various historic venues between June 18 and 25.

The events will include musicians from across the South West and beyond whose work has links to the area, with music genres ranging from classical to pop and folk. 

There will be events for all ages with opportunities to get involved in family-friendly workshops. Tickets will once again be sold with pay-what-you-feel options, helping to make the festival accessible to all. Launched in 2022, in its first year the festival hosted eight sell-out events in six venues around the town with the aim of celebrating the people, environment and culture of South East Cornwall.

Following positive feedback received from musicians and audiences, the event has now received support from Arts Council England through its open access National Lottery project grants. 

The festival is also backed by community arts development organisation FEAST Cornwall and Cornwall Council. 

Jack Morrison, the director of FEAST Cornwall, said: “We are tremendously proud to have been a tiny part of the initial songs and shanties festival in 2022. 

“Saltash has a wealth of musicians and music making and FEAST is looking forward to working with the festival on bringing even more fantastic live music events to the town. This event is set to become an important annual point in the Cornish festival calendar.”

Festival director Lindsay Endean, of production company Salt Arts CIC, said: “Last year it felt like we were starting something that was full of potential. The atmosphere over the whole weekend was so warm and exciting. 

“It is fantastic that the support we’ve received this year will enable us to reach across the whole town and present a really diverse musical programme. 

“Hopefully, the festival will continue to grow for many years to come.”

Phil Gibby, of the Arts Council England South West, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting the Saltash Songs & Shanties Festival taking place in a range of venues around the town. 

“Our open access funds enable artists and organisations to pursue projects that bring more creativity and cultural activities to communities across the country, helping us achieve our vision in Let’s Create. 

“These grants are made possible thanks to National Lottery players and mean communities in Saltash, young and old, will enjoy a joyful music-filled weekend from artists across the region playing a crucial role in making Cornwall a great place to live in and visit.”

Musicians who would like to get involved can email [email protected] 

For more information about the festival, see www.songsandshanties.co.uk