Experience the infamous Harwich International Shanty Festival with Excelsior ( 10th - 14th October). An amazing opportunity for a unique long weekend aboard our historic fishing vessel. Enjoy the sea, sailing and the music, at the heart of the festival action. With several booking options on offer, there are a variety of ways to be part of this event with us. 

Sail with  us overnight to the festival from Lowestoft to Harwich 10th-11th Oct  or an overnight return from Harwich to Lowestoft 13th / 14th Oct       £150 each way.

Stay aboard: Excelsior  in Harwich for 2 nights, Bed & Breakfast 11th & 12th Oct. £110 per person

Festival package: all of the above for a 5-day extravaganza of sailing and shanties £400 per person

As Excelsior is a heritage vessel the accommodation is basic reflecting her age and authenticity. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow case. A full Kit List will be provided on booking.

The Harwich International Shanty Festival was set up in 2006 to organise and co-ordinate an annual sea shanty festival over a weekend in October. Through concerts, ‘singarounds’, pub sessions, talks and workshops, the history and heritage of Harwich as part of the British seafaring nation is celebrated, promoted and perpetuated by local people and groups. This is unique for the county of Essex and is attracting audiences countrywide and beyond. The festival celebrates Harwich’s unique, important and sometimes overlooked great maritime past. Shanty singers from all over the world come to Harwich and the whole town is filled with music and colour. The people from Harwich have taken the festival to their hearts and large numbers come every year to enjoy the atmosphere. 

For information about the festival please visit www.harwichshantyfestival.co.uk