2026 Shanty Festival
The Third Shanty Festival takes place on 9 and 10 May 2026
Saturday: Doors open 12:00 • Close 22:00
Sunday: Doors open 12:00 • Close 17:00
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
Line up
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Back Beach Boyz – Teignmouth maritime folk & shanty crew with local performances and videos.
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Port of Bristol Shanty Crew – Bristol shanty crew posting performances and community updates.
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The Beach’d Buoys Shanty Band – Weston-super-Mare based sea singing group.
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Tom Lewis – Renowned sea shanty singer and songwriter.
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Barnacle Buoys – Sea shanty group featuring videos from festivals and events.
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C.A.S.K
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High & Dry
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Lower Deckers
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Severn Whalers
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Swing Rioters
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Kilkenny Bay Steamers
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The Merchant Men
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The Rusty Tubs
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The Steepholmers
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Bois y Bryn
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Scrimshaker Shanty