John Conolly

Along with the biggest annual gathering of gaff-rigged boats in the UK, with up to 100 craft attending,  and for the third year running,  ‘A Celebration of Sea Songs and Shanties’ will be taking place on The Green, opposite  Yarmouth Harbour, and in various other locations around the town.

With a host of both local, national and international performers, including the famed  ‘Sheringham Shantymen’ – who will be headlining on the Saturday – and the noted ‘John Conolly’ – headlining on the Friday -,  the event will be  building on the success of previous years.  Other confirmed performers include ‘Guith’, ‘Chain Ferry Gang’, ‘Eremue’, ‘Rona’,’ Larboard Watch’, ‘Scarecrow’, ‘Ventnor Jazz Band’, ‘Shalfleet Shanty Singers’ and Yarmouth’s own ‘ Slipshod Singers’ – with more acts set to confirm soon. Some of the acts will also be appearing at various pubs and venues around Yarmouth over the weekend in addition to on the main stage in the marquee on Yarmouth Green.

The event kicks off on 29 May around mid-day with performances running on to early evening. Performances will again carry on from lunchtime through to early evenings on both the Sat & Sun, with food, ice cream, an Island Ales beer tent as well as children’s entertainment all on hand to ensure that visitors can relax and enjoy the event.

On Sunday evening, the celebration will come to a dramatic close with a ‘Fantasia of Sea Songs’ including renditions of such favourites as ‘Rule Britannia’ – complete with flag waving and audience participation.

Thanks to the generous support of Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners, Island Brewery, Wightlink, Yarmouth Town Council and others, there will be no charge to access the event but collections will be made to raise funds for the Needles NCI – National Coastwatch.

Yarmouth Harbour – Isle of Wight

29 May – 31 May 2020

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