The Isle of Wight’s Sea Gels Shanty Band are preparing to take their maritime music to Cornwall after being invited to perform at the Mevagissey Shanty Festival.
The group will head to the picturesque Cornish harbour town with their trademark rope necklaces, energy, and enthusiasm, performing a selection of traditional sea shanties and popular maritime songs between 16-18th October.
The festival is regarded as one of Cornwall’s leading shanty events, celebrating the county’s rich maritime traditions and long history of sea shanty singing.
The Sea Gels hope to bring something a little different to the event, with their performances featuring drama, puppetry and unusual percussion instruments alongside their singing.
Sea Gel Debbie has said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been invited to sing in Cornwall, the ‘home’ of sea shanties.
“We can’t wait to take our bit of Isle of Wight fun to Cornwall, singing our hearts out, and raising funds for charities.
Article continues below this advertisement “Perhaps it is like taking coals to Newcastle, but our unique performances include drama, puppetry and unusual percussion instruments, so we think the Isle of Wight can show the locals something new.”
The invitation comes during a busy year for the group, which has already performed at numerous events across the Isle of Wight and beyond.
Appearances during 2026 have included Quay Arts’ 50th celebrations, Bembridge Lifeboat Station public launches, a Townswomen’s Guild celebration at Bembridge Coast Hotel and performances at Quarr Abbey.
The group has also entertained crowds at festivals in Yarmouth, East Cowes and Gosport.
Donning their pirate outfits, the Sea Gels have performed at Sandown Regatta, aboard El Galéon Andalucía in Cowes and, more recently, on the Ship of Hope at Department in Ryde.
Those unable to make the trip to Cornwall will still have opportunities to see the band perform, with an appearance planned in Swanage during November and further performances at venues across the Isle of Wight.
Details of upcoming performances can be found on the Sea Gels’ Facebook and Instagram pages, or via www.folkonwight.com.
