The Falmouth Hotel will play host to the 2025 International Sea Shanty Festival
8 April
The Falmouth Hotel is proud to announce its role as a main stage venue for the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival 2025
The Falmouth Hotel is proud to announce its role as a main stage venue for the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival 2025, taking place from Friday 13 th to Sunday 15 th June. Steeped in history and maritime heritage, The Falmouth provides the perfect setting for this much-anticipated event, celebrating Cornwall’s rich seafaring traditions through music, community, and culture.
Overlooking the stunning Falmouth seafront, The Falmouth has been a landmark of the town since 1865, welcoming guests from around the world with its grand Victorian architecture and warm Cornish hospitality. Its deep-rooted connection to the sea and local history makes it an ideal venue to host this renowned international festival, which brings together performers and audiences in a shared appreciation of sea shanties and maritime folklore.
The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival is one of the largest maritime music festivals in Europe, attracting performers from across the UK and beyond. This annual event, which takes place throughout Falmouth, celebrates the seafaring traditions of the past through a diverse programme of music, storytelling, and community gatherings. With multiple venues and an impressive line-up of artists, the festival is a highlight of Cornwall’s cultural calendar, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its unique charm.
As one of the main stages for the festival, The Falmouth will host a variety of sea shanty performances, featuring both local and international groups who carry forward the tradition of maritime music. The festival, which draws thousands of visitors each year, fosters a sense of camaraderie and community spirit, bringing together people of all ages to celebrate Cornwall’s nautical past. General Manager of The Falmouth, Ricky Horan, expressed excitement about the partnership:
“We are honoured to be a main stage venue for the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival 2025. As a hotel with a long-standing connection to the town’s maritime history, we are delighted to offer both our guests and festival- goers an exceptional experience, combining music, heritage, and hospitality in a truly breath-taking setting.”
Now under the stewardship of Cornwall Hotel Collection (CHC), The Falmouth is undergoing a sensitive restoration, designed to enhance its historic charm while honouring its rich heritage. This new chapter for the hotel is rooted in a deep appreciation for the local community’s unwavering support throughout the transition. As preparations continue, hosting the International Sea Shanty Festival presents a meaningful opportunity to give back to the town and its residents, celebrating the maritime traditions that have long defined Falmouth’s identity.
CHC also includes The Alverton in Truro and The Greenbank in Falmouth, a key sponsor of the festival. The Greenbank, alongside its pub The Working Boat, will also serve as a main stage venue, hosting performances in its marquee on the quay. Together, these two historic hotels play an integral role in supporting and celebrating the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival, offering visitors and performers exceptional hospitality in stunning coastal locations.
Managing Director of the Cornwall Hotel Collection, Ben Young, added:
“Having been long time sponsors of the International Sea Shanty Festival at The Greenbank Hotel, it felt entirely appropriate and high time that Falmouth’s eponymous hotel also stepped in to support this incredible festival. We do so with pleasure and cannot wait to hear the rousing shanties drifting across the lawn and over the bay whilst raising all important funds for the RNLI.”
In addition to the lively performances, festival-goers can enjoy a variety of food and drink throughout the weekend, from The Falmouth’s outdoor kitchen and classic festival fare from food trucks stationed on-site. With delicious local refreshments available, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Shanty Festival.
The Falmouth will welcome guests, visitors, and performers alike to enjoy this spectacular festival from its prime seaside location. Whether attending as a festival enthusiast, a lover of traditional music, or simply looking for a vibrant and historic setting to enjoy the weekend, The Falmouth promises an unparalleled experience at the heart of the festival’s celebrations.