Who we are
Have you ever found yourself scrolling on social media and suddenly found yourself mesmerised by a video of someone singing sea shanties? Does the idea of getting together with a group of people and singing (without having to fear a spotlight) tickle your brain?
If so, you’re wired much like we are. We’re a small group of people who believe that singing together is pretty great, and that singing sea shanties together is rather fantastic. Our leading Shantyman has plenty of experience leading choirs, and sea shanties are very easy to pick up. So just come along and see for yourself - before long, you’ll count yourself among our crew.
A bit more about us:
With dulcet tones and big Shantyman energy in tow, you really can’t miss Adam. He’s our captain, and frequently tricks large groups of people into harmonising with each other. Years of experience in teaching and performing music make him the perfect siren to draw you to our shanty nights.
There’s also Julia, who doesn’t like writing about herself in the third person and prefers to stick to the photo/video/website/socials/organisation side of things.
You can usually find our co-organisers Munro, James, and Rob singing loudly and carrying the room with their shanty spirit, as well as rattling the little treasure chest in your face to entice you to drop a few coins in.
How it works
Our shanty nights currently take place more-or-less fortnightly on a Sunday evening, in different locations in Edinburgh. Our original home vessel is the Argyle Cellar Bar, our shanties by the sea take place at the Old Chain Pier, and we are keen to take you with us to other venues across the city! Times and venues will be communicated beforehand via this website (on the main page) and our Instagram channel.
Our events are open to everyone regardless of experience, with a minimum age requirement of 18+ unless specifically stated otherwise. We get so much interest from people who would like to bring their children, and we are actively working on an event where this is possible.
You don’t have to book or reserve a spot unless explicitly stated otherwise, and you need no experience to join in. All the lyrics are available on the website and in physical form (we have song books!), so you can really go for it without worrying too much about getting it wrong. At the beginning of each shanty, the Shantyperson takes a couple of minutes to teach the chorus.
Sometimes, attendees bring new songs and teach us! We’re always happy for people to bring their regional (or original!) shanties and teach them.
You’re also more than welcome to lead a shanty yourself! You’ll never find a more supportive and enthusiastic crowd.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!