St Ives Sea Shanty Shout weekend is upon us, with more than 200 performers set to appear in seven venues.
Sea shanties originated on the water and were a way of lightening the mood as work was undertaken on board vessels. In Cornwall they’re often sung in pubs and can form part of male voice choir performances.
The St Ives event is an annual celebration of the form, undertaken this year by 24 groups, from Cornwall and around the UK (including St Ives’ own Bamaluz Bootleggers, pictured). Storyteller Shanty Baba will also be making appearances.
This year, the event will be raising funds for the Penhaligon’s Friends charity, which supports bereaved children and young people, and their parents and carers.
On Saturday evening, a painting, The Mermaid, by local artist Donald McLeod, will be auctioned in aid of Penhaligon’s Friends. It will be on display at the Surf Shack, on The Wharf, during the course of the festival.
For full details of the festival, including the programme, stivesshantyshout.co.uk/
