By Isle of Wight Observer
Sea Gels Shanty Band carried their drums, harmonies and distinctive Island shanty style to one of Britain’s biggest sea‑song celebrations, the Mevagissey Shanty Festival in Cornwall. The volunteer‑run event this year attracted more than 90 groups with 500 singers, who performed across 20 venues in Mevagissey and neighbouring Pentewan.
The Sea Gels were delighted to be invited and sang in four very different settings, from a lively holiday‑park nightclub to a smaller maritime‑themed venue, complete with an overhead sail. They met old friends from past festivals and made new ones, with their trademark rope necklaces attracting plenty of attention. Audiences were keen to hear about the knots and their uses at sea.
The group is already planning a trip to Newport in south Wales next year, and hope to arrange a cross‑Solent gathering with mainland shanty singers. Before that, they have a busy programme of Island performances ahead.
