ORGANISERS of a popular town festival have announced its line up for this year’s extra special occasion.
The guest list for Harwich International Shanty Festival was revealed, with a focus on the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower setting sail.
The celebrations were postponed last year due to the pandemic, but now many towns in England, as well as the Netherlands and USA, are planning to commemorate the special date.
Pam Fitzgerald, the festival’s director, said she was “very excited” to be in a position to be able to confirm the lineup.
“Planning this year’s festival has been challenging due to the uncertainty of the Covid situation,” she said.
“Travel uncertainty has made it impossible to book any other overseas artists this year. Also, our funds are severely depleted due to the festival being unable to run last year.
“We strongly believe the reinstatement of live events is important in the nationwide Covid recovery strategy.
“We have streamlined the festival to ensure as far as possible that it will go ahead this year and we still need support – both for this year’s event to run and to ensure its continuation in the future.
“Despite these constraints, we are planning an exciting, varied and innovative programme for all to enjoy, featuring some top acts from the UK and also the Netherlands.
“We have managed to secure shanty singers and crews to represent most of the Mayflower towns and we have several special events and concerts lined up following this theme.”
Among the acts included for the festival from October 8 to 10 are the return of Kimber’s Men as well as shanty veteran of more than 30 years, Shanty Jack, also known as Pete Hayselden. From the Netherlands, Hans Weehuizen, aka Dutch Uncle, will be returning, running his popular workshops as well as performing.
New artists include Hoy Boy, from Canvey Island, Pot of Gold, from Swaffham, Norfolk, ShantyFolk, from Lavenham, and Isle ‘ave a Shanty, from Ely.
Mrs Fitzgerald added: “We would like to extend our thanks to Harwich Town Council and Harwich Haven Authority for their financial support - we are very grateful."
For more information about the line-up, or to make a donation to the festival funds, visit harwichshantyfestival.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here