Maldon to host first ever sea shanty festival - here's when

In full voice – Maldon shanty crew Mains’l Haul are organising the town’s first ever shanty festival. (Credit: Ben Shahrabi)

Maldon will celebrate a new summer event which promises to help keep an ancient maritime tradition alive.

The town's first ever sea shanty festival will take place on Saturday 14 June.

It will see singing groups from across the region perform traditional seafaring songs at venues around the town, from the Quay to St Mary’s Church.

Organised by local shanty crew Mains’l Haul, who sing at festivals across Essex and beyond, they hope the festivities will become a regular fixture in Maldon’s summer calendar.

Spokesperson John Clark said: “We hope people will feel inspired to join in with the singers, and help keep alive this age-old tradition.”

Mr Clark added the festival would be an opportunity for local people and visitors of all ages to enjoy shanty singing, perhaps for the first time.

The festival will begin with music starting around midday, with crews performing throughout the day at Maldon Quay, the Little Ship Club, and the Octagon beside St Mary’s Church.

A mass sing is also planned, followed by a concert at 7pm in St Mary’s Church, featuring all of the day’s performers.

Eight groups are set to take part, including Salt Water and Beer, Southend’s all-female group The Silver Darlings, Leigh-on-Sea Hoy’s Shanty Crew, Hog Eye Men, and the Goldhanger Shanty Crew.

The event is set to fund a good cause, with donations going to the Thames Sailing Barge Trust. The Maldon-based charity works to preserve historic vessels and promote traditional sailing.

For further information, visit bargetrust.org/events/the-first-maldon-shanty-festival/