A group of six Portishead RNLI sea-going volunteers started a sea shanty band in 2021, during a period of lockdown in hope of lifting the spirits of the RNLI’s volunteers and supporters.

This weekend, the band will be helping to make history as they are set to perform at the Coronation Concert to celebrate the crowning of His Majesty King Charles III.

Since their establishment, the band have performed acapella sea shanties at various events, including the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival.

Named after the RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, the band consists of Chris Wade, Jake Bacon, Jem Smale, Lu Shephard, Nick Williams and Paul Weston.

Performing arts teacher, Lu Shephard said: ‘Every time I think about being part of this huge historical moment, my breath just goes. It’s unreal. We’ve been working hard and rehearsing in preparation for the performance and I’m beyond excited to see it all come together this Sunday.’

Paul Weston adding: ‘I’ve loved performing as part of The 85ers and I’m so delighted to be part of such a huge group of fellow singers and performers. To think that a little group of singers from Somerset could be part of such a momentous event is mind blowing, we can hardly believe it.’

The 85ers will be joined by a hugely diverse range of singers including refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs to make up the Community Choir who will perform at the Coronation Concert to celebrate the crowning of the King and Queen.

The concert line-up also includes Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Take That.

The band and lifeboat station were also involved in the filming of BBC One documentary, Sing For The King that will air on Friday 5 May at 8pm.

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