THOUSANDS of people descended on Harwich at the weekend for its world-famous shanty festival, which has gone from strength to strength over the past 20 years.

The Harwich International Shanty Festival took place from Friday, October 11, to Sunday, October 13, with more than 40 traditional shanty events taking place across the town, attracting visitors from as far away the US and Canada.

An estimated 10,000 people turned out for the event.

Festival spokesman Debbie Jones said: “It was certainly on a par with last year, and likely exceeded it.

"We probably had over 10,000 people in Harwich over the festival overall.

“Sunday was extremely packed and the Saturday night concert was entirely sold out.

"There were no seats left for that, and we were extremely lucky with the weather.”

Popular - The Mutinous Swans performing on the seafrontPopular - The Mutinous Swans performing on the seafront (Image: Steve Brading) Debbie added: “When we started nearly 20 years ago, shanties were quite a niche thing, we were one of four shanty festivals in the whole of UK, shortly after two folded, but since lockdown and the TikTok by Nathan Evans, shanties are now big business.  

“There are a lot of shanty crews in every coast town, and the explosion of publicity has helped. We had about over 40 acts from the UK and many of the artists say Harwich is their favourite.”

“By bringing in shanty groups but also visitors from all over the world to visit Harwich, we are certainly on the ‘Shanty map’ - and one of the best.”