One of Sligo’s most unique festivals of the summer returns this weekend.
Rosses Point will play host to the sixth annual Sea Shanty festival where people can go and enjoy the songs of the sea from June 19 to 21.
The Shanty Festival brings together groups from different countries who all share a love for the sea and it’s inspired songs.
Proceeds from both concerts held on the weekend, the Gala Duck Race and Harry’s BBQ go to Sligo Bay Lifeboat Station.
The festival kicks off on Friday night with the “Songs for the Lifeboat” concert in the Church of Ireland.
On Saturday afternoon festivities include poetry reading and local sea tales at Yeats Country Hotel, a session workshop linking shanties and American music titled “From Bluegrass to Bluewater” in Harry’s and the Traditional Cake Dance at Austies, followed by the annual Go As You Please Race and the Fundraising Concert in Sligo Yacht Club at 8pm.
Sunday morning starts with a remembrance ceremony at Waiting on the Shore statue followed by the Blessing of the Boats at the pier.
Sligo Bay Lifeboat station are also hosting an Open Day and the rest of the day is packed with events starting with the Family Treasure Hunt at 2.30pm and on the water events include rowing races, the Maugherow Cup and the much anticipate Gala RNLI Duck Race.
The festival will then draw to a close at 7.30pm with prize giving and the final sing along of shanties with all the groups.
Festival Chairman Willie Murphy said “we are looking forward to welcoming all the groups from overseas, Ireland and, of course, our own local shanty groups.
It’s great to keep the shanty tradition alive, promote the RNLI and, of course, this great village Rosses Point. It’s a fun, easy going weekend. Do come out and join us.”
Full details are at www.rossespointshanty.com
