Swanage Shanty Festival

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. It is a day designed to stir the soul, so dive right in!

All profits go to the RNLI.