Sailors sang them in the spirit of unity on long voyages overseas, but sea shanties have been rising in popularity back on terra firma in recent years, too. Riding that wave is Greenwich tea clipper Cutty Sark, which is hosting its third Sea Shanty Festival on Saturday November 18 in honour of the ship’s 154th birthday.
Vicki Beswick, Schools Learning Producer for Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) is not surprised by the evergreen appeal of sea shanties.
“A traditional sea shanty is a working song. The songs are upbeat, a little risqué at times, and often easy to learn and repetitive which would mean that everyone working could join in,” she says.
“Singing alongside other people creates a sense of community which would be very important for sailors on a long voyage.”
The London Sea Shanty Collective is a confirmed headliner, promising to sing their own arrangements of traditional songs, updated to reflect modern life.
Also performing are all-female group The Silver Darlings and The HogEye Men, who have been entertaining Cutty Sark audiences on a monthly basis since 2019.
Swinging the Lead, another group of sea shanty singers who have been resident to Cutty Sark since 2011, are also on board and hoping to teach as well as entertain visitors with the songs they sing.
Broadening the event’s remit this year is the inclusion of Pagoda arts, whose performance of a Guzheng and Erhu duet brings 2,000 year old music to the event. Their piece, Fishermen Singing at Night, paints the picture of fishermen returning home after a long day’s work. Their performance also includes the chance to hear folk sea and river songs from China.
Appealing to younger sensibilities, meanwhile, is folk singer and squeeze box player Sonny Brazil, a working sailor living on London’s Canals. He’s a member of the Bargee Traveller Community, who play music as it has been played for centuries on England’s inland waterways.
Audience participation is very welcome, too.
“There will be shanty workshops in the morning and afternoon as well as a big sing along towards the end of the day,” Vicki confirms.
“The festival is a daytime event between 10:30am and 4:30pm, so entry includes full access to the ship as well as the performances throughout the day.
“Also onboard we have character actor performances and opportunities to try your hand at knot tying.”
Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT.
Saturday November 18, 10am – 4:30pm.
Admission: FREE with entry to the ship.
