Old Leigh Shanty Weekend

A wealth of Shanties & Folk Music in Old Leigh Town in Essex – Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026.

This weekend a score of shanty crews will navigate their way to the atmospheric fishing village of Leigh on Sea to celebrate in the only way they know how –  singing songs of the sea.

This year there are 31 acts who will performing free of charge. Leigh on Sea Lions Club – CIO will be collecting for their charity account, RNLI Southend Lifeboat and the Endeavour Trust – Leigh on Sea Cockle Boat & Dunkirk Little Ship.

The following acts are on the Festival Stage:

Saturday 16th May
12.00 Isle ‘Ave a Shanty
12.45 Short Drag Roger
13.30 Hog Eye Men
14.15 The Steepleholmers
15.00 The Hoy Shanty Crew
15.45 The Motley Crew
16.30 Hoy Boy
17.15 Mudlarks Community Choir
18.00 Harvest Moon Jazz Trio

Sunday 17th May
12.00 The Cockleshell Clog
12.30 The Hoy Shanty Crew
13.30 The Orwellermen Shanty Crew
14.30 Pot of Gold Shanty Crew
15.30 The Steepleholmers
16.30 Harvest Moon Jazz Trio

Please note, acts and timings are subject to change, please follow Old Leigh Shanty on Facebook for updates.

The famous Sealed Knot re-enactment association from the Blew Regiment will be at the Shanty Festival where they will demonstrate their weapons and equipment. They will have a stand on Victoria Wharf throughout the weekend.