LAST weekend saw the 20th year of Falmouth’s International Sea Shanty Festival and the Falmouth Town Team have reported that it was by far the event’s most successful year yet in terms of boosted footfall numbers and trade for hospitality businesses.

Across the entire weekend, tens of thousands of people descended upon the port each day to enjoy maritime melodies from more than 80 local, national and international sea shanty groups in venues and on outdoor stages right through the town.

Twenty-seven venues were involved in 2024’s festival by hosting sea shanty bands, all of which benefited from increased consumer footfall and spend. Even Friday’s rain showers were no deterrent as revellers came out to bop and sway to the salty beats of their favourite bands.

Falmouth Business Improvement District (BID) predicts the event will have delivered more than £1.5-million for businesses in the town. Additionally, more than £21,000 was recorded in donations for the RNLI at the closing of the event, however donations are still rolling in.

The ever-growing success, and the volume of inbound staying national and international visitors, meant that across the 2024 weekend there was very little overnight accommodation available either in Falmouth itself or in the towns and villages around the port. The vital secondary economic benefits to the businesses in Falmouth, during these challenging times, are all the more appreciated right across the town.

The award-winning festival started back in 2004 as a grassroots event and is now the largest free nautical event in Europe with sea shanty groups coming from as far as Canada to be involved. The Sea Shanty event coincides with the Falmouth Classics each year which sees Falmouth hosting a three-day regatta of classic boat racing, parades and onshore events.

Executive director of Falmouth Business Improvement District (BID) and chair of Cornwall Towns Group and South West BIDs, Richard Wilcox said: “It is quite remarkable to reflect on Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival’s growth and success and the impact it continues to have on Falmouth 20 years on. It has become a cornerstone of our cultural calendar and is an essential driver of local economic activity.

“Anyone who came to Falmouth during the event would have witnessed how the whole town came alive with the sound of music, with visitors from far and wide enjoying great hospitality in our fantastic local businesses. The economic uplift and footfall generation is significant and demonstrates the importance of events such as this.”

In keeping with tradition, the event supported and fundraised for the RNLI who are celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea this year. For information on the festival, visit the website, www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk