‘Blow the Man Down’. ‘Soon May the Wellerman Come’. ‘The Drunken Sailor’. Well, there were a few drunken sailors at the 2022 edition of the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival but they were vastly out-anchored by all those incredible songs from the foamy waters of time. This annual festival in Falmouth, which took place between Friday 17 and Sunday 19 June, is always a hull of a success and this year was no different, with thousands of landlubbers packing the Cornish seafaring capital to see and hear boatloads of sea shanty acts in full voice across town. The festival took place alongside the annual Falmouth Classics sailing regatta, which saw all sorts of vintage vessels do battle out on the waves but we at Proper Cornwall mostly enjoyed the sounds of those sea shanties all along Falmouth‘s waterfront. Under a hot sun, we took cool photos and here they are, shared with you in our first ever ‘Proper Cornwall Lens’ feature…
Crowds flocked to Falmouth’s Discovery Quay as the Breton Bash took to the Skinner’s Stage and kicked off proceedings on the Friday
A couple of pirates were spotted soaking up the sounds (and beverages) outside Falmouth’s National Maritime Museum
Parched landlubbers and drunken sailors enjoyed the pop-up bars and tents that were stocked with Skinner’s brews across town
The Seasalt Stage at Custom Quay House was pumping throughout the day hosting the likes of the Bryher’s Boys and The 5 Men Not Called Matt
The international feel of the event was on full display with many areas decked in both St Piran’s and Union flags
Another Skinner’s pop-up bar serves up the brews at Custom House Quay over the weekend
Spot the pirate! The crowds at Custom House Quay prepare for the Stuns’ls Shanty Group to get into full voice
A couple tuck into some pasties as they take a break from the frivolities taking place across the dock at Custom House Quay
Bunting, anyone? Thanks to the shanty fest taking place at the same time as the Falmouth Classics sailing regatta, the town was decked out for a party
The Prince of Wales Pier provided a less raucous and far more intimate setting for the fabulous Hay Shantymen
Roll out the barrel! Stacked up outside The ‘Front on Custom House Quay at the end of a cracking weekend of sea, sun and so much song
The ‘Proper Cornwall Lens’ series showcases the best places and events in Cornwall in pictures that have been taken by the most talented photographers in the Duchy. If you are a photographer who would like to get involved or you are a Cornish resident who wants to get your venue or event featured on our website in pictures, then contact us at hello@propercornwall.co.uk. Keep snappin’!