An annual midsummer sea shanty festival is set to be held on the edge of the River Severn near historic and a working docks. It is the second year of the festival which is already promised to be bigger and better than the previous year, and crowds of people are expected to be drawn to the event to enjoy the midsummers day of music.
The Sharpness Midsummer Sea Shanty Festival is planned to go ahead on June 21. The event is being held on the grounds of Sharpness Sports and Social Club from 2pm, and six acts will deliver a hearty and varied programme of shanties that’s sure to bring an extra glow to Midsummer’s Day.
The Sharpness Sports & Social Club will be serving drinks and food from noon onwards. Even better news for those hoping to attend the festival, the event is free to enter.,
Sharpness Midsummer Sea Shanty Festival brings an extended line-up to delight all lovers of these timeless and rousing songs. Acts at the event include, Shanty crews Friggit, Gloucester Diamonds, Tawny Shantymen and Severn Whalers, of which were enjoyed at last year’s Festival.
This year, they’ll be joined by local shanty singer and concertina player Jamie Robinson, plus all the way from Liverpool, duo Yesterday’s Men and renowned songstress Gerry Ffrench.
Entry is free thanks to generous sponsorship from traditional shipbuilders, riggers and restorers T. Nielsen & Company and Bessie-Ellen, who offer sailing holidays and private charters on board their 1904 built West Country sailing ketch.
Created by local heritage railway The Vale of Berkeley Railway (VoBR) as part of the 150th anniversary of the opening of Sharpness New Dock, last year’s Shanty Festival was the first to be held in Sharpness, uniting the local community around an entertaining focal point and attracting visitors to the area.
This year’s event aims to imbed the Shanty Festival as an ongoing Sharpness tradition, with Jamie Robinson (who lives close to Sharpness Docks) taking on its organisation, supported by VoBR Trustee Bryan Whitfield and Mike Studden from Gloucester Harbour Trustees.
