As one of the largest free nautical music festivals in Europe, Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival will once again welcome thousands of visitors to the shores of town this summer for a weekend of fun, music and the spirit of the sea.

Taking place over the weekend of Friday to Sunday, 13th to 15th June, residents, visitors and music lovers will be able to flock to any of the four stages in town. By following the detailed schedule with the full line-up, set to be released nearer the time, you will be able to track down your favourite groups and musicians and watch them perform live.

New for 2025 is the Falmouth Main Stage, which will look out over Castle Beach from the lawn of the oldest hotel in town, The Falmouth, which has recently had a stunning transformation under the Cornwall Hotel Collection. The main stage is set to combine 'top-tier performances within an iconic setting that showcases Falmouth’s natural beauty'.

Located in the heart of Falmouth, the Seasalt Main Stage will be found in Events Square, bringing some of the biggest performances of the weekend for a lively atmosphere.

Sharp's Main Stage will be in Church Street Car Park, and will be a hive of activity where feet will be stomping and voices will be heard as crowds sing along to the energetic performances of traditional maritime music.

Finally, Greenbank Hotel Main Stage will be located on the Greenbank Quay. Crowds can soak up the beautiful views across the harbour while listening to rousing performances and watching classic vessels sail by.

These four key locations for the main stages will provide something for everyone, whether you're looking to dance with friends as the sun sets, or chill out with loved ones as the music plays. The festival celebrates Cornwall's rich heritage and the art of traditional sea shanties, which have been a part of the county's coastal communities for generations.

Richard Gates, Chair of the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival committee, said: "After celebrating the festival’s twentieth anniversary last year, we thought it couldn’t get any bigger. However, with the addition of a brand-new main stage at The Falmouth, this year’s event is set to be our largest yet. With over eighty groups confirmed, Falmouth is gearing up for another truly unforgettable weekend of maritime music in June."

The Falmouth’s managing director, Ben Young, added: “We are incredibly excited for The Falmouth to be joining the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival as a main stage location for the first time. This festival is a celebration of our town’s rich maritime heritage, and we are honoured to provide a venue where visitors and locals alike can come together to enjoy the music and camaraderie. This partnership, alongside the continued support from our sister hotels, The Greenbank and The Alverton, underscores our collective commitment to supporting the cultural vibrancy of Falmouth and contributing to the festival’s continued success.”

Donations raised over the festival weekend will go to the RNLI, who do so much to keep coastal communities safe.

A commitment from the festival's sponsors ensure the event is free to attend and allows people to celebrate community and traditional and contemporary shanty music.

A full line-up of performers will be announced ahead of the festival in June.

For more information about the festival, including how to support or donate, visit www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk.