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Sea shanty festival 'one of biggest and best'

Jonathan MorrisSouth West
Tom Warner A large group of people are gathered outside a harbourside pub, many wearing matching red and yellow striped tops while holding up drinks and plastic cups towards the camera. Colourful maritime flags hang above the crowd, and wooden benches, buildings and festival signage can be seen in the busy, sunny background.Tom Warner
The Orkney Sea Society posed for this photo at the Windjammer bar

Thousands of music fans packed Falmouth's streets over the weekend as the International Sea Shanty Festival returned for its 22nd year,

Organisers said it could have been event's busiest yet, with more than 90 groups from across the UK and overseas performing in pubs, on stages and out in the open air.

Visitors also flocked to market stalls and family activities over the weekend alongside the Falmouth Classics sailing event.

Organisers said the event had already raised more than £31,000 for the RNLI, with counting still ongoing.

Tom Warner A group of people stands close together in a narrow street decorated with colourful bunting, holding up reusable festival cups towards the camera. Shop signs and pastel-coloured buildings line the street behind them, adding to the bright and busy festival atmosphere.Tom Warner
Hugh Hastings A street performer wearing a decorated hat and carrying a large brass instrument plays closely in front of another costumed performer in a blue cloak and tricorn-style hat. The busy festival street behind them is filled with people, colourful outfits and buildings, capturing a lively parade atmosphere in bright daylight.Hugh Hastings
The festival raised tens of thousands of pounds for the RNLI
Falmouth Marine Band with the Falmouth town crier

Richard Gates, chair of the Sea Shanty Festival Committee, said: "This has been one of our biggest and best Sea Shanty Festivals yet.

"To see the streets so full, and to know that has translated into such an incredible amount raised for the RNLI, is brilliant."

He added: "Thank you to every performer, volunteer, trader, sponsor and visitor who made it happen, and of course to the people of Falmouth for opening up the town and making everyone feel so welcome."

New additions aimed to make the weekend smoother for visitors. A festival app gave people quick access to performance times and maps, while a park-and-ride shuttle from Penryn helped ease traffic into town.

Organisers are already looking ahead, with dates set for next year's festival from 18 to 20 June.

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