A celebration of traditional sea shanties, real ale, and maritime culture in the heart of Bristol. Expect powerful voices, historic songs, and excellent beer across a full weekend.
Now in its third year, The Bristol Real Ale and Shanty Festival has raised thousands of pounds for local and national charities including Teenage Cancer Trust

Lineup for the festival will be released over the coming weeks, so check back to for a full list
Beer tokens for the Ale Bar can be purchased at a discounted price with your tickets, or can be purchased on the day. Every ticket purchased with beer tokens comes with a special festival pint glass. One token per half pint.

The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival takes place at various locations throughout the town, from pubs and bars to historic courtyards and quays.

Falmouth’s International Sea Shanty Festival usually attracts in excess of 65,000 visitors to see over 80 shanty groups and will go ahead on 12th – 14th June 2026.

The festival is a FREE event, with shanty performances scheduled throughout the weekend at venues including The Greenbank Hotel, The Falmouth, Events Square and Church Street Car Park. Visitors are encouraged to explore the town and its wealth of shops, restaurants, gardens and beaches, as well as the 20+ official festival venues.

A celebration of traditional sea shanties, real ale, and maritime culture in the heart of Bristol. Expect powerful voices, historic songs, and excellent beer across a full weekend.
Now in its third year, The Bristol Real Ale and Shanty Festival has raised thousands of pounds for local and national charities including Teenage Cancer Trust

Lineup for the festival will be released over the coming weeks, so check back to for a full list
Beer tokens for the Ale Bar can be purchased at a discounted price with your tickets, or can be purchased on the day. Every ticket purchased with beer tokens comes with a special festival pint glass. One token per half pint.

Bristol has an incredible maritime history, and there is no better way to experience it than through the traditional sea shanties that once echoed across our harbourside. Along two nautical miles of the floating harbour, you’ll find a wonderful atmosphere filled with historic pubs and world-class places to eat.

For the last six years, we have come together in this setting to celebrate our seafaring heritage through song. Bristol is home to an exceptional amount of salty singing talent, and this September, we’ll be joined by some of the finest shanty crews, groups, and choirs from across the country.

This year’s festival features performances over two days across two iconic locations:

• Underfall Yard: Hosting two stages with a variety of maritime acts.
• The SS Great Britain: Performances will take place in the historic Great Eastern Hall

Please note that our evening session at Underfall Yard remains a ticketed event. Last year, these sold out well in advance with very few tickets available on the door, so we recommend securing your place early. Tickets go on sale later in the Spring  and as always, all proceeds go to support local charities.

So save the date and join us for a weekend of rousing shanties, maritime banter, and great local food and drink. All shipshape and Bristol fashion!!