Now in it’s 6th year, the Yarmouth Sea Songs Festival, will once again take place on The Green, opposite Yarmouth Harbour over the Bank Holiday weekend of 24 – 27 May.
Some 32 acts, which include a range of both island and mainland performers – will take to the stage over the 4 days of the festival – many returning and well-loved regulars and some appearing for the first time – but all of them giving their time for free for this unique festival which celebrates the music and songs of those who earned their living on or from the sea.
Some of the acts will also be appearing at a number of pubs around Yarmouth over the weekend in addition to on the main stage in the marquee on Yarmouth Green.
The event kicks off on 24 May around mid-day with performances running on to early evening – with the formal opening ceremony taking place around mid-afternoon and featuring pupils from the local primary school. Performances will again carry on from mid-morning to early evening on the rest of the days. There will be various stalls selling food, sweets & ice cream, an Island Ales bar as well as a children’s entertainment area, to ensure that visitors can relax and enjoy the event.
On Monday evening, the celebration will come to a dramatic close starting around 16:00 with the ever popular ‘Fantasia of Sea Songs’ including renditions of such favourites as ‘Rule Britannia’ – complete with canons, flag waving and audience participation.
Thanks to the generous support of Yarmouth Harbour, Island Brewery, Wight Link and others, there will be no charge to access the event but collections will be made to raise funds for the Needles NCI – National Coastwatch – for which the festival has raised several thousands of pounds to date.
