who we are —
About Us
A one-day festival of working songs by the sea — what it is, who’s behind it, and why a room full of strangers singing in unison is the whole point.
since the first chorus —
Our story
Prepare to be swept away at the inaugural 2026 Swanage Shanty Festival!
A spectacular one-day event marking our historic and beautiful coastal town’s first-ever celebration of maritime music! Proudly hosted by our very own local favourite shanty band Kelp!, this maiden voyage plays host to a great line-up of shanty bands from the south and south-west, each bringing their own distinct energy, harmony and instrumental flair to classic songs of the sea.
With two dynamic stages and an open bar all running throughout the day, you can easily chart your own musical course through centuries of maritime tradition.
All profits go to the RNLI.
It is a day designed to stir the soul, so dive right in! Bring your voice.
Quick message
A short note — we’ll reply by email.
The Venue
The Mowlem. On the Swanage seafront.
Our home for the day — one seafront building, two stages, a two-minute walk from the beach.
The Mowlem, on the Swanage seafront.
A seafront landmark since 1863.
The Mowlem opened in 1967, replacing the Victorian Mowlem Institute that John Mowlem built on the seafront in 1863, overlooking the bay. It stands at the junction of two of Swanage’s main shopping streets and runs a year-round programme of film and live theatre — local schools and societies alongside visiting professional productions.
For one day this November, the whole building is ours.
- Two stages under one roof
- Right on the seafront
- Shops, cafés & bars on site
- In the heart of town
- Two minutes from the beach
The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
be there —
Get tickets
One day, two stages, twelve crews — Sat 21 Nov 2026 at The Mowlem. Tickets are sold through the venue’s own box office.
Buy via The MowlemAdult £14 · Under 18s £7 — all tickets include a £1 venue commission