the twelve crews —
Every crew singing at The Mowlem this November — who they are, where they play, and when. All set times are provisional.
Headliner
Swanage-based shanty group Kelp! raise funds for our local RNLI Lifeboat station. With lifeboat crew past and present among our number, as well as several genuinely salty sea-dogs, we keep traditional sea-faring history alive and give voice to the stories of the ocean.
A disparate collection of old (and not so old) men formed in 2019 — now a thriving crew of 14 with a total age of 985. We set out to enchant the world with vocal excellence and sparkling wit (?!), raising funds for good causes in festivals, fetes and pubs — none yet completely emptied.
Formed in Gosport in 2025, Scrimshanker Shanty are an all-male crew singing the classic shanties unaccompanied, plus songs of the sea backed by guitars and banjo. Their rousing performances have been drawing attention in pubs and festivals alike, with a debut recording due in early 2026.
Formed on the Isle of Wight in 2023, we’ve been captivating audiences with spirited performances and quirky ideas ever since — timeless tales of life on the high seas, sung with an infectious sense of fun. With nearly 50 songs in our repertoire, we especially love an audience singing along.
Based in Eastleigh, Steam Town Shanty Crew are a lively mixed-voice a cappella group breathing new life into traditional sea songs. Formed in 2023, they run weekly sessions at Steam Town Brew Co, where singers of all abilities are welcome, and guarantee energy, inclusivity and a rousing good time.
An enthusiastic group of guys who just love singing shanties and songs of the sea. Formed in 2015 from a local choir, the Salties are now over 30 strong — learning songs by ear, in unique harmonies, usually unaccompanied — at events, charity dos and festivals across southern Hampshire.
Headliner
Dorset Wrecks sea shanty group were formed in 2013 and started gigging in 2014. We have since sung at Wessex Folk Festival, Camp Bestival, Bridport Folk, the Son et Lumiere at the Nothe Fort and shanty festivals from Teignmouth to Weston-Super-Mare, with regular gigs at the George Inn, Portland.
The Kittiwakes Shanty Crew have only been meeting for a few short weeks, but most of our members are familiar faces from the Seafury Shanty Crew. We sing traditional shanties and some that are a little different and next summer plan to sing across Dorset and beyond to raise money for the RNLI.
The Whalers have been rocking the shanty world (of south east Hampshire) since Jan 2023, with a rapid rise including BBC Radio Solent, HMS Warrior and festivals, plus a collaboration with The Gillkicker Weevils. Despite fame and fortune, they’re in it for fun, fundraising and beer along the way.
2026 is the 22nd anniversary for the Wareham Whalers. We enjoy singing a wide range of shanties and songs of the sea, as well as songs composed by our crew, with no accompaniment, as sailors would have nearly 200 years ago. Whilst singing we raise money for local charities including the RNLI.
We started in 2017 — our first performance was on HMS Victory. Our regular venue is the 4ALE Taproom in Gosport, but we perform at festivals from Falmouth to Harwich and Gloucester. We also run workshops, and sit on the speakers panel for Hampshire WI.
Poole Me Hearties hail from an ancient pirate’s port in Dorset. With their quirky, unique style, they perform songs of the sea like no other shanty band: six acoustic instruments and four voices in perfect harmony. At festivals, sailing clubs or on Poole Quay, live is where they’re at their best.
Our home for the day — one seafront building, two stages, a two-minute walk from the beach.
The Mowlem, on the Swanage seafront.
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.
The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
be there —
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