Harwich International Shanty Festival’s 19th Festival takes place from the 10th to 12th October 2025 with an exciting line up of artists from The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France, the USA and all over the UK. Shanties and Sea Songs will reverberate throughout the old town in a musical celebration of its rich maritime heritage.
Pirates, soldiers, and other strange and colourful characters will again be roaming the streets. Inner State Theatre will be presenting the Saga of Eric and Hilda Viking including their captured Saxon sheep, Dolly (or Nelly Mutton to friends)!. Other theatrical events include River Rogues Pirates, Sheppey Pirates and The King’s German Artillery who will appear mainly at the Redoubt Fort but will also be having a skirmish on the beach! There will also be maritime crafts at the Redoubt Fort as well as a special themed shanty train running between Harwich Town and Manningtree, one trip with the Tyburn Road entertaining on board and one with Scheepsfolk.
We have an exciting variety of tours and talks this year. They include guided tours of the Beacon Hill Fort with shanty entertainment by Landlubbers, Shep Woolley and Tim Walker, Harwich Shanty Crew and the Silver Darlings, and tours of Old Harwich and Christopher Jones’ House by members of The Harwich Society.
On Saturday 11th at the Harwich Museum, we continue our 58 ships project with Mick & Penny Verrier, discovering the story of all the ships built for the Royal Navy between 1660 and 1826. Other talks include ‘I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside by David Whittle – the story of the Harwich and Dovercourt Bay holiday resorts, ‘Whaling Remembered’, giving a fascinating opportunity to hear a first-hand account of whalers and whaling, and ‘Pitcairn Island’ by Chris Roche on the last refuge of the mutineers, who, in 1789, took over His Majesty’s Merchant Vessel Bounty.
On Saturday 11th the popular Bones Workshops continue, with “Dutch Uncle”, Hans Weehuizen visiting us again from the Netherlands and instructing participants in playing this traditional maritime percussion instrument, a suitable accompaniment to so many shanties. The first Jig Doll workshop takes place at the Angel Annexe on Friday 10th, giving an opportunity to learn how to operate these traditional and appealing percussion instruments, with Martin Judkins and Corine Nugteren. These will continue throughout the weekend. Singing in Public by Liz Randall provides helpful tips for those who want to learn to sing with confidence! There are two new workshops this year. ‘Sex, Drink ‘n’ Rock and Roll: what sailors sang about… a history in six shanties’ explores favourite themes in shanties old and new, led by Roy Fenton and Harrie Hayward. ‘Ocean Melodies’ with Mick Verrier explores an 1854 hymn book designed especially for seafarers! Come prepared to sing, play or listen – instruments welcome.
Other exciting events include our fabulous series of ‘Meet the Artist’ events, held in the Masonic Hall across Saturday and Sunday, offering an opportunity to see and interact with your favourite performers in a more intimate setting. These events showcase Quaynotes, Gunnar Wiegand, A Band On Ship, Foresail, Shep Woolley and Tim Walker, Perly I Lotry and The Keelers. This year’s Late Night Extra takes place in the Masonic Hall at 22.00 on Friday. Join Dazzle’s Joe Whittaker for an exploration of songs written by the late, great Cyril Tawney. The sailing ship Victor will again be moored on the Ha’Penny Pier and there will be 8 trips with musical entertainment.
Check the programme for further details of these and other events!
Car parking will be available in the Trinity House car park at the end of West Street and there will be a shanty bus to transport people around the town. Thanks to Tendring District Council, motorhomes and caravans with their own facilities may again stay overnight on Harwich Green for the three nights of the festival, although it is now fully booked. Access is via Harbour Crescent only. We are actively looking for stewards at the festival. Join in with a great team of people and see the festival ‘from the inside’. In return for some help over the weekend you will receive a Stewards’ Wristband offering free access to most events.
If you are interested, please email: harriehayward@yahoo.co.uk
For full details of all events and to buy advance tickets visit www.harwichshantyfestival.co.uk
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Article by Debbie Jones
Festival Press Officer
