Hotels near the International Sea Shanty Festival

Who knows how much competition there is for the accolade, but Falmouth's International Sea Shanty Festival can proudly claim it's the largest event of its type worldwide. Mixing song and sea faring, the three-day event celebrates Falmouth's nautical heritage.

As the third largest natural harbour in the world, Falmouth has long had an association with sailing and the sea. For its duration, the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival recognises this by celebrating the great blue yonder through song, dance and numerous special events. The 'shanties' themselves are songs and ballads dating to the pre-steamship days. Sailors would sing these evocative and often humorous songs  to foster camaraderie and ease the strain of a life at sea.

It's a good basis for ensuring people have a good time, and it's also for a good cause. Funds raised at the festival will go towards the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.