The Alma are hosting a quiz to raise funds for the Shanty Festival. Please get a team together!
Quiz Night
Coronation Capers
Coronation Capers on Harwich Green 2023
A Celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III
Programme for May 7th 2023
Harwich Green
1330-1430
Welcome by Harwich Town Crier
May Song – Staines Morris
National Anthem
Maypole Dances
Circassian Circle for everyone
May Song – Hail, Hail the First of May
Salute to King Charles
Farewell by Harwich Town Crier
1430-1630 Celebratory Music & Song around Historic Harwich
1700 Ha’Penny Pier Grand Finale All Groups
Coronation Capers
On Sunday 7th May 2023, a day after the King’s Coronation, the Harwich Shanty Festival committee gracefully put on Coronation Capers.
The day was very much an inclusive May Day festival and was opened by the Harwich Town Crier before a May Dance commenced.
A variety of musicians and dancers then made their way around the town of Harwich, calling at the Alma, Globe, New Bell & Stingray.
Some of the groups had also played on Ha’Penny Pier separately during the afternoon but they came together for a finale.
Coronation Capers on Harwich Green 2023
A Celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III
Programme for May 7th 2023
Harwich Green
1330-1430
Welcome by Harwich Town Crier
May Song – Staines Morris
National Anthem
Maypole Dances
Circassian Circle for everyone
May Song – Hail, Hail the First of May
Salute to King Charles
Farewell by Harwich Town Crier
1430-1630 Celebratory Music & Song around Historic Harwich
1700 Ha’Penny Pier Grand Finale All Groups
Shanty Marathon
Pam, Jon and the rest of the organising committee are now taking a well-deserved rest after their 26 hour marathon!
If you didn’t manage to get to the Alma this past weekend then we have uploaded a few videos of the event:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1cNE4lYr06l07cmHmW6EJZuk24pFuv2X
It is now nearly 12 years since Harwich International Shanty Festival held their first Shanty Marathon event and it remains a fond memory for many – in a masochistic sort of way!
The time is ripe for a second record breaking attempt.
There will be 26 hours of continuous shanties and sea songs in the Alma Inn Harwich starting 12.00 on Friday 28th April and ending 14.00 Saturday 29th April. Songs will be sung in shifts on a rota basis and no-one is expected to stay up for the entire 26 hours, unless of course they want to.
Insomniacs are of course particularly welcome!
This will be a fundraising venture for the Shanty Festival, but the emphasis is on FUNdraising with raffles, forfeits, spot prizes, shanty bingo and more to pass the time when not singing. Everyone is welcome, from large shanty crews to solo singers, with or without any previous shanty, or indeed singing experience.
The idea is to keep the singing going and last time brought in some interesting gems from folks who had never heard of shanties before. We will have words available if required. You do not have to register in advance to attend, although an indication of likely interest would be helpful and does not commit you in any way.
There are still rooms available in the Alma if required (https://emea.littlehotelier.com/properties/thealmainn ) and the bar will be open for the entire duration.
An added attraction is the Real Ale festival taking place over this weekend.
Contact info@harwichshantyfestival.co.uk for more information.
58 Ships
58 Ships is a long term history project sponsored by the Harwich Shanty Festival and is supported by the Harwich Museum & Harwich Society. The aim of the project is to research the 58 ships listed on a board outside Navyard Dockyard in Harwich. We’re seeking volunteer researchers to have a dig into the history of one or more of these ships. Take a look at our special project website 58ships.org.uk for further information and how to participate.
Shanty Marathon
It is now nearly 12 years since Harwich International Shanty Festival held their first Shanty Marathon event and it remains a fond memory for many – in a masochistic sort of way!
The time is ripe for a second record breaking attempt.
There will be 26 hours of continuous shanties and sea songs in the Alma Inn Harwich starting 12.00 on Friday 28th April and ending 14.00 Saturday 29th April.
Songs will be sung in shifts on a rota basis and no-one is expected to stay up for the entire 26 hours, unless of course they want to.
Insomniacs are of course particularly welcome!
This will be a fundraising venture for the Shanty Festival, but the emphasis is on FUNdraising with raffles, forfeits, spot prizes, shanty bingo and more to pass the time when not singing.
Everyone is welcome, from large shanty crews to solo singers, with or without any previous shanty, or indeed singing experience.
The idea is to keep the singing going and last time brought in some interesting gems from folks who had never heard of shanties before.
We will have words available if required.
You do not have to register in advance to attend, although an indication of likely interest would be helpful and does not commit you in any way.
There are still rooms available in the Alma if required (https://emea.littlehotelier.com/properties/thealmainn ) and the bar will be open for the entire duration.
An added bonus is the Real Ale Festival taking place at the same time.
Contact info@harwichshantyfestival.co.uk for more information.
Malcolm Ward 1942 – 2022: singer, musician and morris dancer
Obituary
Malcolm was born in 1942 in Northampton, where he lived until the age of 24. Having served an apprenticeship in the electrical supply industry, he made that his career, first with East Midlands, and later South Eastern Electricity Board. He was involved in the Scout movement for many years, and this is how he met his wife Christine, who he married in 1966. In 1967 his new job with Seeboard brought him to Oxted in Surrey, where he continued his involvement with scouting, at one point being Assistant District Commissioner, but in 1975 he decided to resign from this role because of the demands of raising a young family, and being on call for Seeboard, and moved to Hildenborough, where he was to spend the rest of his life.
At Seeboard he met the late Peter Collins, and the two families became firm friends. It was Peter who introduced him to the delights of Folk Music and Morris Dancing, and Malcolm joined Royal Borough Morris in Tunbridge Wells, where he became noted not only for his dancing, but also his singing.
He subsequently moved to Ravensbourne Morris, first as a dancer, and later as a musician, after he learned the Maccann Duet Concertina. He frequently accompanied himself on that instrument when singing, and always said he regretted that he did not take it up earlier.
Malcolm was not a man to do anything by halves, and always threw himself wholeheartedly into anything he did. A regular attendee at Broadstairs Folk Festival he supported the Festival through a difficult patch and became Chairman of the Trust in 1995. He served in that role until 1997, but remained on the committee for a further year. He was always a stalwart supporter of Folk Week, every lunchtime he would be in Neptune’s Hall singing his head off with other fine singers. In the evening his favourite place was the Sailing Club for the session run by Tom and Barbara Brown. He was also a regular at The Travelling Folk, a group of musicians and singers who meet twice a month to sing in pub bars where his contribution was invaluable, with a strong but melodious voice, and a good repertoire.
Malcolm had a penchant for shanties and other sea songs where his repertoire was extensive and he supported the Harwich International Shanty Festival from the beginning.
When he was diagnosed with cancer, he was very upfront about it, and announced his intention of fighting it to the best of his ability. At some point he took the pragmatic decision to refuse further treatment, saying that he would prefer to make the best of what time he had and indeed this is what he did, his performances at HISF in 2022 proving to be almost his last.
He leaves a wife Christine, a son and daughter, and four grandsons, of all of whom he was extremely proud. His funeral celebrated his life as he wanted, with song, music and dance and left everyone with happy memories of a man who lived life to the full.
Roger Resch
Malcolm Ward, born 4 May 1942, died 6 December 2022
Updated: Christmas Murder Mystery
Thanks to everyone who braved the somewhat inclement weather on 30th December and turned out for our Murder Mystery event. Pictured are some of the teams taking part and the winning team, the Taylors who completed the challenge in an astounding 43 minutes, receiving their prize at the Alma.
A good time was had by all and we raised over £100 towards the 2023 Shanty Festival. We shall definitely run the event again next Christmas,
If you didn’t manage to attend but would like to make a donation of £5 then please click the button below (you don’t need a PayPal account)
[wpecpp name=”Fundraiser Donation ” price=”5″ align=”left”]
El Pony Pisador
We are keen to book the very popular Catalan group El Pony Pisador for next years Festival. But the Ponies are quite rightly, making a name for themselves in their native Spain and further afield, resulting in a much larger fee than our Community Festival can afford.
We know there are a lot of people who would love to see this group again and so we are inviting sponsorship from individuals, groups and business to see if we can raise enough money to book this talented and entertaining group. Please visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/el-pony-pisador-at-hisf for further details and to sponsor. Many thanks to those who have already contributed!
We’ll return in 2023
Our 2023 Festival is 13-15 October so please put it in your diary now! Meanwhile, we’ll be posting on here details of our special events that take place throughout the year. Come back to our site, watch our social media feeds or sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date.
The 2023 Artists List
The 2023 artists list is below. Further acts could be added so do check back but remember that our newsletter subscribers will hear festival news first!
Remember that the festival is 13 to 15 October 2023 in Harwich!
Festival Day 3 – Sunday
Sunday summary – details are in the programme!
Ha’Penny Pier has music from 1100.
The Redoubt opens at 1000 for tours then for music at 1100. There is a sword display around 1330.
Various pubs and other venues open at 11am with music from opening or midday.
There are ticketed talks, presentations, concerts and intimate sessions. Ticket sales close 7pm Wednesday, otherwise at Ha’Penny Pier Visitor Centre or on the door if any tickets remain.
There’s also 50+ free scheduled events during the day. Other spontaneous musical or theatrical events may also happen! Watch out for the busking spots.
Please buy a programme for full details.
Festival Day 2 – Saturday
Saturday summary – details are in the programme!
Ha’Penny Pier has music from 1130.
Time & Tide Bell inauguration is at 1130 by the Low Lighthouse (Maritime Museum)
The Redoubt opens at 1000 for tours then for music at 1100. There is a skirmish on Harwich Beach at 1400 or stay at the redoubt for some theatre action!
Various pubs open at 11am with music from opening or midday.
There are ticketed talks, presentations, concerts and intimate sessions. Ticket sales close 7pm Wednesday, otherwise at Ha’Penny Pier Visitor Centre or on the door if any tickets remain.
There’s also 70+free scheduled events during the day. Other spontaneous musical or theatrical events may also happen! Watch out for the busking spots.
Please buy a programme for full details.
Festival Day 1 – Friday
Friday summary – details are in the programme!
The Grand Opening is on Ha’Penny Pier from 1130. Music follows from midday.
The Redoubt opens at 11am for tours then for music at midday
Various pubs open at 11am/midday with music from midday.
There are ticketed talks, presentations, concerts and intimate sessions. Ticket sales close 7pm Wednesday, otherwise at Ha’Penny Pier Visitor Centre or on the door if any tickets remain.
There’s also 33 free events during the day including a Shanty Competition. Other spontaneous musical or theatrical events may also happen!
Please buy a programme for full details.
After Hours
Our festival officially closes at the conclusion of the Massed Shanty (Sunday 1530-1700) in St Nicholas Church but there are two after hours events from 2000hrs on Sunday for those still on their feet:
At the New Bell, there is the Au Revoir Session
At The Alma, there is Last Man Standing
Both are scheduled to end at 2300. Further details can be found in the Programme
Shanty Competition
Keith Donnelly
We are thrilled to announce that Keith Donnelly will fill the spot left vacant by Les Barker’s immediate retirement. Keith has worked alongside Les in the past and is a festival favourite around the globe. An amazing guitarist, stand up comic and songwriter, a performance by Keith is always a delight.
The 2023 Festival
Massed Shanty
The Massed Shanty is the official closing event of the Harwich Shanty Festival. Over ninety minutes many of the artists who have performed over the weekend will step onto the stage at St Nicholas Church one last time.
The MC is John Wright and doors open at 1515hrs
Closing remarks will be made by many, supported by Nigel Spencer MBE
Please note that the bottom of Church Street is currently closed. For access from the Redoubt or Harwich Town Station, continue up West Street past Pieseas Chip Shop until you reach Ferry Motors and Church Lane. Turn to the right and you will be facing the St Nicholas.
Festival Official Opening
Snottledogs
Pepper’s Ghost
With a huge selection of original 19th Century photographs Pepper’s Ghost Magic Lantern Show provides a vivid insight into maritime life in times past. With tall ships, fishing vessels and harbour scenes their show is interspersed with readings, hornpipes, songs and shanties, bringing each image to life. Join them on Friday evening.
Time & Tide Bell
Summer Shanties On The Pier
Our 2022 Artists
Spinnaker Shanty
Ol’ Hands Shantymen
Nelson’s Shantymen
Based in the Burnhams, birth place of England’s greatest seaman, Lord Horatio Nelson, Nelson’s Shantymen are a diverse group of enthusiasts, driven in equal measure by a love of singing and a desire to keep the tradition of the authentic sea-shanty alive. True to the original spirit of the shanty, a major emphasis is placed on the voice, although instrumental accompaniment, in the form of banjo, bodhran, guitar and harmonica, is an integral part of performance.
Les Barker
Unfortunately, Les is unwell and has retired from performing. Keith Donnelly will stand in for Les for his his Friday Night concert.
Les Barker writes strange poems and comes originally from Manchester, but he’s now Welsh. He was an accountant before he became a professional idiot. He’s written 85 books, which sell in large numbers at his gigs because people don’t quite believe what they’ve just heard. His poems have spawned a number of folk heroes: Jason and the Arguments, Cosmo the Fairly Accurate Knife Thrower, Captain Indecisive and Spot of the Antarctic, to name but two. Don’t miss the chance to see Les on Friday 7th.
Dovercourt Ukulele Group
Ukuleles, originally from Portugal, are now associated mainly with Hawaii where they were introduced by Portuguese sailors and immigrants.
Now very popular in the U.K., the Dovercourt Ukulele Club has been going since the noughties, and play a variety of songs of many genres. Shanties are a new venture for them and they are excited to be included in the Harwich International Shanty Festival 2022.
Black Deep
Surely that’s the Naze Shanty Crew I hear you cry! But no, rising Phoenix like, from the ashes of a global pandemic, the Naze Shanty Crew with a slimmed down line up and no longer any connections to the town of Walton-on-the-Naze, have regrouped as The Black Deep. Shanties and sea songs are still very much what they are about and the group will be singing at several maritime events and festivals this year. Harwich however remains their favourite.
Hoolies
Harwich Sing
Harwich Sing Tendring Voices is a community choir all about the love of singing. They have groups for all ages and all abilities but love to come together and perform as one from time to time, kids, teens and adults! They sing all kinds of music but have found a lot of joy in learning shanties and sea songs and are excited to be part of this year’s Shanty festival!
Brasy
This is a welcome return for Brasy after their last visit to our Festival in 2015. Singing close harmonies, acapella and accompanied shanties they are one of the most popular bands we have hosted. Poland has a proud history of singing songs of the sea and Brasy have performed at clubs and festivals globally.
Goldhanger Shanty Crew
Another Essex crew, from the Blackwater estuary village of Goldhanger, the Goldhanger Shanty Crew evolved out of the local choir following a sea-themed concert in 2017. The group have been rantin’ an’ roarin’ in the local Chequers Pub ever since, apart from a few spells freezing outside or ‘Zooming’ when necessary.
Friggitt
Friggitt are a shanty trio from Wiltshire who perform all sorts of songs connected with the sea and sailors. As well as traditional and contemporary songs they also perform some original compositions written by the band members and others. They sing both acapella and accompanied by guitar, ukulele, bass and harmonica.
Freddie’s Barnet
Freddie’s Barnet are an energetic and amusing folk duet performing old and new songs, from traditional sea shanties to singalong classics and occasionally one or two of their own compositions. Individually they have been singing and performing for over fifteen years, as a duo for over four. In that short time they have performed at many clubs, pubs and festivals throughout the UK.
Fire & Ice
One of the outcomes of the Board of Trade report into the sinking of the Titanic was the formation of six schools teaching Navigation and Seamanship to pupils from the age of eleven. One of these schools was the London Nautical School. Dave, Andy, John, Tony, Del and Stephen were all students at this school. Several went to sea after leaving school and some have crewed together on the tall ships Sorlandet and the Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The name Fire & Ice is taken from the Titanic disaster. Ice is obvious, Fire comes from a suggestion the ship had a bunker fire from the time she left England.
Crossjack
Crossjack is the name of a small sail at the mizzen mast. It is used to hold a course and this five piece Shanty Crew aim to do just that. They sing traditional sea shanties, unaccompanied, as they would have been sung in the days of sail and they are keen to authentically reproduce the sounds that would have been heard aboard the tall ships as the work was carried out. Crossjack have performed at many maritime festivals in their native Germany and abroad and we are pleased to welcome them back to Harwich
Canx: Summer Sunday Shanties
Tyburn Road
This talented duo join us again with some accomplished musicianship, harmonious singing and intriguing workshops. Their musical expertise and relaxed presentation make their performances readily accessible and a delight to hear and you can be sure of always finding some new gems in their extensive repertoire.
Summer Sunday Shanties
Summer Sunday Shanties
Summer Shanties On The Pier
We were last able to hold our popular Summer Shanty sessions back in 2019, but have re-instated them for 2022!
May 15th was Hoy Boy (video “Randy Dandy Oh”)
June 12th Hoy Boy (Video “Sally Brown”)
July 10th Hoolies from Wivenhoe
August 14th ShantyFolk from Lavenham
September 11th Mick Verrier & Friends This event has been cancelled following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Back in 2019 the season was kicked off by a combo of Naze & Harwich shanty crews:
The Longest Johns
In a few short years the Longest Johns have gone from singing sea shanties in a kitchen to International folk festivals, tours and TV appearances and have gained a huge online following. Here at Harwich International Shanty Festival we are so pleased to welcome them back as guests, following their transition to stardom. With innovative interpretations of many well known shanties, interspersed with some lesser known gems they delight their many fans and those who are just discovering them.
Nordet
Another of our most popular performers, Nordet join us again from Lorient in Brittany. They sing shanties and sea songs in French, Breton and English accompanied by guitar, melodeon and now, Uillean pipes. Twenty years of experience has seen them performing all over the world at venues from Village Halls to concert auditoriums. Come and capture some of their magic.
Happy Sam
Happy Sam are Graham and Nicky Schofield. Both have been heavily involved with the traditional folk scene for many years. Graham is well known as a fine singer with a strong voice and wide repertoire of songs.
As well as playing for dancing, they run sessions locally and folk events for charity, using many different instruments and jig dolls. Their aim is to always have a lively, friendly fun time.
Capstan Full Strength
Capstan Full Strength are a six strong vocal harmony group who have sung songs of the sea, land and work since 1998. Their powerful ‘broadside’ of sound has been welcomed at festivals in Europe, Scandinavia and the British Isles . ‘Capstan FS’ offer an incredibly broad repertoire of maritime songs enhanced with beautiful harmonies and arrangements that will leave you enchanted.
Cakes & Shanty Poster
Cakes & Shanties 2022!
On 1st May we held the second of our Shanty’n’Cake Days. Last year this event was a spectacular success, raising in excess of £500 and providing a great day of entertainment. For 2022 we exceeded ourselves as this has become one of our most popular fundraising events and we were thrilled to raise just over £900 for the Festival. Thanks go to all those who ate cake (!) and all helpers in whatever capacity.
Shanty Quiz
On April 12th the Alma Inn is hosting one of its famous quizzes and this month all profits go towards the Shanty Festival. In their own words the quiz is “a bunch of weird questions, followed by a bunch of unforgettable prizes” and an entertaining evening is guaranteed. Teams of up to 6 people may enter and please register your team with the Alma on 01255 318681. Arrive at 6.30 p.m. for a prompt 7.00 p.m. start.
Card Payments
In common with other online stores you may see a pop-up from your bank when making a donation or buying merchandise on our site; there is nothing to be concerned about and it is designed to combat online fraud. For further information please see your bank’s website or any recent correspondence from your bank. This is due to start from 14th March 2022.
Monkey’s Fist
Monkey’s Fist, based in Yorkshire and named after the knot used to heave the first line ashore, is the trio of Steve Flude, Colin Devey and John Horsey. They sing powerful arrangements of sea shanties, forebitters and ballads with close harmonies and guitar, concertina, bodhran and harmonica accompaniment. They have performed at clubs and festivals across the UK, together with festivals in Ireland, Germany and Holland.
Les Brouilleurs d’Écoutes
From La Rochelle in France, Les Brouilleurs d’Écoutes describe themselves as a Franco-British group with an Irish flavour. Their upbeat multi-instrumental approach to shanties has earned them a strong following both in their home country and abroad. Les Brouilleurs d’Écoutes made a huge impression on their first visit to Harwich and we are pleased to welcome them back.
Alan Storey
We are deeply saddened to report the death on 21st February of the lovely Alan Storey, talented musician and multi instrumentalist with popular local group Golden Rivets. He and the Rivets have supported our Festival from the very beginning and his presence in the local community will be sorely missed. A true gentleman, Alan is a well known figure at many local events and it is hard to believe he will no longer be with us. He is pictured here at a previous Shanty Festival, playing on board SB Victor, surrounded by the other band members. RIP Alan
Pride Of Tendring
We won! Festival of the Year!
Jan Buijs
Many people will already have heard this news, but for those of you who have not, we are sorry to tell you that the lovely Jan Buijs from Scheepsfolk sadly died in December. Scheepsfolk were a great hit at our Festival in 2018 and Jan and Catharina came along as a duo in 2019. The group are a lively, talented, colourful and popular band throughout the Netherlands as well as the rest of the world and we all mourn his loss.
New Year Sale!
Our 2021 T-Shirts have been reduced from £15 to £8 in our first ever New Year Sale! Sizes Medium & XL are available from our T-Shirt page.
https://harwichshantyfestival.co.uk/2021-shanty-t-shirts/