The annual Midsummer Sea Shanty Festival is returning to the scenic banks of the River Severn, near the historic working docks at Sharpness, Gloucestershire. Now in its second year, this free family-friendly event promises to be bigger and better, drawing crowds to celebrate Midsummer’s Day with lively sea shanties and vibrant community spirit.
Set for June 21, the festival will take place at Sharpness Sports and Social Club starting at 2pm, with food and drinks available from noon. Attendees can look forward to a varied and hearty lineup of six acts, sure to brighten the midsummer atmosphere with traditional and contemporary shanties.
Returning favorites include shanty crews Friggit, Gloucester Diamonds, Tawny Shantymen, and Severn Whalers, who delighted audiences last year. Joining them this year are local singer and concertina player Jamie Robinson, Liverpool-based duo Yesterday’s Men, and acclaimed songstress Gerry Ffrench.
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This year’s festival is made possible by the generous sponsorship of T. Nielsen & Company, traditional shipbuilders, riggers, and restorers, alongside Bessie-Ellen, which offers sailing holidays and private charters aboard their 1904-built West Country sailing ketch.
The event was originally created by the Vale of Berkeley Railway (VoBR) in 2023 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Sharpness New Dock’s opening. The first festival successfully united the local community and attracted visitors, laying the foundation for this new tradition.
Jamie Robinson, a local resident, now leads the festival’s organization, supported by VoBR Trustee Bryan Whitfield and Mike Studden from Gloucester Harbour Trustees, aiming to establish the Shanty Festival as a lasting celebration of Sharpness’s maritime heritage.