Less than two months to go now until the 13^th Harwich International Shanty Festival and the committee is in the final stages of planning now.

Most importantly, tickets for all events will go on sale this weekend 11/12^th August so keep an eye on the website for when they go live. This includes tickets for the camper van site and of course our popular Victor cruises and main Saturday evening concert. But check out all the other fantastic events on offer; a range of workshops on a variety of maritime related subjects, some fine smaller concerts and a season ticket offering access to all events except cruises. Payment can be made over the website by Paypal or by credit/debit card via Paypal.

One announcement we do have to make is that in 2018, for one year only, we are unable to use the wonderful Electric Palace for our Saturday evening concert. This is because the Palace is undergoing a serious renovation project. We have therefore relocated the concert to the Park Pavilion, which is just slightly further out from the centre of old Harwich. Nevertheless a 10 minute walk will bring you to the Pavilion where there is a small car park plus on street parking nearby, should you wish to drive. The Park Pavilion also boasts ample seating and a bar.

On the fundraising front, the Harwich Society is holding its August quiz on behalf of the Shanty Festival. Starting at 8.00 p.m. at the Hanover Inn on Tuesday 28^th August teams of up to 8 people can compete at £2.00 per head. Please do attend if you can. Harwich Society quizzes are well known as a fun occasion and every entrant helps to raise funds for our Festival.

In addition to the tickets going on sale the printed programme is off to the printers and will be available by the end of this month. Keep an eye on the website, Facebook and Twitter for this announcement. Programmes will be downloadable for £2.00 or available in printed form for £3.00.

If you are about in Harwich on Monday 20^th August, Swinging the Lead, one of our most popular artists, are in Harwich for the day. Do come and see them for an informal evening at the Swan House 14, Kings Head Street where they will perform a few shanties and sea songs from 8.00 p.m. onwards. Real Ale Bar on site and comfortable seating. Hope to see you there. They may also be singing on the Ha’penny Pier earlier in the evening.

And so as the Programming for this year draws to a close, the tickets go on sale, the printed Programme is prepared and only one newsletter to go, it only remains to tell you that the 13^th Festival will of course be the biggest and best yet, with once again a tremendous selection of talented artists to watch, some fascinating and original workshops, great venues, real ales, carnival atmosphere and a jam packed weekend of entertainment. We have extended the time slots at some venues to cover what would previously have been “dead” periods and introduced, for the first time, two Victor cruises on the Friday of the Festival. Do come along, join in with as much as you can and bring a friend or two. Look forward to seeing you there

To cancel click here, to edit your subscription click here.