HARWICH’S International Shanty Festival returns this weekend.

Artists from the Netherlands and all around the UK will take to the streets and venues of Harwich for the 15th annual shanty event, which will take place from Friday (October 8) to Sunday (October 10).

Residents will be able to enjoy a number of family activities, including concerts, sing-a-round sessions, workshops, illustrated talks, and maritime crafts, many of which will be available for free.

The main performers this year are renowned Kimber’s Men with their superb harmonies, and Shanty Jack, who is a shanty veteran for more than 30 years.

The Redoubt Fort will will also see shanty singers offer a variety of performances.

Pam Fitzgerald, one of the festival organisers, said:”We are both excited and nervous to be welcoming you all back to UK’s premier shanty festival.

“It would be an understatement to say that the past two years have been tremendously difficult for everyone in so many ways.

“We can only hope that we can all begin to look forward with more confidence and that this festival will go some way towards celebrating a return to a more settled life.”

The event was cancelled last year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

For more details, go to harwichshantyfestival.co.uk.