A sea shanty festival in aid of two lifesaving charities drew crowds to a village on the Norfolk coast.
Some 20 acts from across East Anglia and further afield pitched up for the Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival.
The three-day bash saw groups perform at six venues in and around the village from 12 - 14 September, with all proceeds going to the charity that saves lives at sea and the National Coastwatch Institution, which operates a look-out station on the nearby beach.
Steve Ireson, from Nelson's Shantymen, who was one of the organisers of the event,
said: 'The RNLI is very important to the local community.
'Anyone can get into trouble out at sea or get cut off by the tide.'
The event began at Nelson's Shantymen's home port the Jolly Sailors pub near the harbour in 2022, when nine acts performed and has grown into a major maritime heritage event - not to mention the chance to enjoy local food and drink, along with a good old sing-song.
Cliff Nye, director of Anglian Country Inns, which owns both the 'Jollies' and the nearby White Horse, which also hosted performances, said: 'It's a win-win for us, they all love coming here and we love them coming here.
'I've noticed in the village people are already booking accommodation for next year's event, so as long as we're able to we'll continue with the event.'
Groups performed at the Jolly Sailors, both inside and outside at the White Horse, Brancaster Village Hall, Deepdale Camping and Rooms Barn and St Mary's Church, at Burnham Deepdale.
Admission was free to all five venues throughout the event, which aims to bring together the rich maritime traditions and the vibrant community spirit of the Norfolk coast through music, camaraderie, and charity.
On Saturday afternoon Hunstanton RNLI crew member Justin Aldiss thanked the audience, the bands who came to perform, Anglian Country Inns and the all other venues which kindly hosted the event.
The lifesaving work of the station and more than 200 like it would not be possible without those who donate to the charity that saves lives at sea.
Editor's Notes
Hunstanton lifeboat station operates the fast inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk and the search and rescue hovercraft
Hunstanton Flyer.
The crew covers The Wash, a tidal estuary of some 200 square miles fed by five main rivers, along with parts of the north Norfolk coast.
RNLI Images
Pictures from the event attached.
Please note credit: RNLI/Chris Bishop
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219 or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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