Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival 2026
Ahoy, mateys! Get ready to hoist the colors and sing yer hearts out at the 2025 Sea Shanty Festival in beautiful Brancaster! This three-day extravaganza will be bigger and better than ever before, with a crew of exceptional shantymen from across the land, ready to bring ye the best in toe-tappin’ tunes and salty sing-alongs. Prepare to be swept away by the rousing spirit of the sea!
The festivities will kick off just after midday on Friday, September 11th, and continue until late in the evening on Sunday, September 13th. The historic Jolly will serve food, drinks, and refreshments throughout the festival.
In 2025 these talented performers included:
Freddie’s Barbet: Known for their energetic performances and authentic sea shanties, Freddie’s Barbet will have you dancing and singing along from the very first note.
Sirens at the Helm: This all-female shanty group combines beautiful harmonies with captivating storytelling, creating a truly unique and memorable musical experience.
Pot of Gold Shanty Crew: With their infectious energy and crowd-pleasing melodies, the Pot of Gold Shanty Crew will bring a touch of Irish charm to the festival.
Blakeney Old Wild Rovers: Hailing from the picturesque village of Blakeney, the Blakeney Old Wild Rovers are renowned for their traditional sea shanties and rousing choruses.
Shrinham Shantyman: Led by the charismatic Captain Shiner, the Shrinham Shantyman will transport you to the days of old with their authentic renditions of classic shanties.
Nelsons Shantymen: Named after the legendary Admiral Horatio Nelson, Nelsons Shantymen will bring the spirit of the Royal Navy to the festival with their powerful and stirring shanties.
The Hoy Shanty Crew: The Hoy Shanty Crew is a group of passionate musicians dedicated to preserving the tradition of sea shanties. Their performances are both entertaining and educational.
FAQ
When is the festival taking place? The festival is scheduled for Friday, 11th September to Sunday, 13th September 2026. Music typically begins on Friday evening at 5:00 PM and runs from 12:00 PM until late on Saturday and Sunday.
Do I need to buy tickets? No tickets are required for this event. Entry to all venues is free, allowing you to wander between performances as you please.
Which charities does the festival support? In lieu of ticket fees, the festival raises money for local maritime charities. In 2026, donations will support the Hunstanton RNLI and the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Brancaster. Collection buckets will be available at all venues.
Where are the performances held? Performances are spread across various venues in Brancaster Staithe and Burnham Deepdale, including The Jolly Sailors, The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe & Deepdale Village Hall, St Mary’s Church, and Deepdale Camping & Rooms.
Is there parking available? Yes. Dedicated festival parking is located in a field down Dalegate Lane. Use the What3Words address ///total.stability.strange for exact directions.
How do I get between the different venues? A shuttle mini-bus typically runs on a loop between the main festival car park and the various venues throughout the weekend. Most venues are also within walking distance of one another.
Will food and drink be available? Yes. The Jolly Sailors and The White Horse offer full menus and local ales. Additional food options are available at Dalegate Market and through various pop-up vendors at Deepdale Camping.
Are dogs allowed at the festival? Most venues and outdoor areas are dog-friendly, but owners are asked to keep pets on a lead as the venues can become very crowded and noisy.
Where can I find the full performance schedule? The specific lineup and set times are usually released by the organizers at The Jolly Sailors a few weeks before the event in August 2026.
