3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Newport's first Pirates in the Port sea shanty festival
The event, named Pirates in the Port, was headlined by Newport's very own Bois Y Bryn.
The city centre was alive with the sounds of sea shanty groups from Wales and across the UK.
The festival was originally held in Barry, but this year saw the event move to Newport, much to the disappointment of Barry residents.
A total of 39 bands from places as far afield as Yorkshire and Cornwall came together to perform across 11 venues in Newport city centre.
The venues included The Corn Exchange, The Mercure Hotel, Potters Pub, and Fire and Ice nightclub and bar.
Other venues were McCanns Rock and Ale Bar, Slipping Jimmy's, the upstairs of Newport Market, the Riverfront Theatre, The Lamb, and the Pen and Wig.
One of the organisers, Malcolm Gough, expressed his belief that the festival would help Wales's sea shanty culture thrive.
The festival was launched by Newport's newly elected Mayor, Kate Thomas, at 11am on Saturday from the Corn Exchange.
She spoke of the city's "delight" at hosting an event showcasing such "amazing talent".
The organisers made sure that the event was free for all to attend, but they welcomed small donations or purchases of merchandise and programmes.
All funds raised will be split between three charities close to the heart of Bois Y Bryn: the RNLI, SARA, and Wales Air Ambulance.
The festival lasted throughout the weekend, with performances from noon until 8pm in some venues.
It concluded with a special 'Big Sing' event at 4.30pm on Sunday in the Corn Exchange.
The organisers hope that Newport will continue to be the host of this cultural event in the future.
The "Pirates in the Port" event featured a variety of Welsh and UK sea shanty groups performing at venues across the city centre.
Originally held in Barry, the festival's relocation to Newport caused disappointment amongst Barry residents.
Venues including The Corn Exchange, The Mercure Hotel, Potters Pub, Fire and Ice nightclub, McCanns Rock and Ale Bar, Slipping Jimmy's, Newport Market, The Riverfront Theatre, The Lamb, and The Pen and Wig hosted the festival.
Malcolm Gough, one of the organisers, expressed belief in the thriving future of Wales's sea shanty culture.
A total of 39 bands from across the UK, from as far as Yorkshire and Cornwall, performed at the event.
The festival was launched on Saturday, May 31 by the newly elected mayor, Kate Thomas, who spoke of the city's "delight" at hosting an event of such "amazing talent."
Mr Gough said: "We are all really proud of the event and want to thank all of the bands that gave up their time to perform and help raise funds for the RNLI, SARA and Wales Air Ambulance.
"We have had some really positive feedback from bands, businesses and attendees."
