Sligo Bay RNLI’s Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival returns from 19 to 21 June, bringing three days of music, maritime heritage and community celebrations to the north-west coast. Now in its 16th year, the volunteer-led festival combines traditional sea shanties with family entertainment, cultural events and local history.
Performances will take place across a range of venues, including Harry’s Bar, Austie’s Bar, Fish and Bean, The Driftwood, MJ Ward’s and the Church of Ireland. Pop-up performances will also animate the village streets throughout the weekend.
The programme includes arts and crafts activities for children, alongside educational talks, guided walks and discussions exploring local history and maritime traditions. Sunday's events feature the Blessing of the Boats and a commemoration ceremony for those lost at sea from the local community.
Creative Currents — Young festival-goers take part in arts and crafts activities, one of a range of family events planned during the Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival. Photo: Aisling Gillen
The popular Pirate Parade will also return, with children and adults invited to don pirate costumes and join the colourful procession through the village. Weather permitting, a series of water-based races will take place in the channel during the festival.
Festival organiser Mark Ballantine said the event continues to grow as a celebration of music, heritage and community spirit. "The Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival is all about bringing people together through music, tradition and community spirit," he said. "We are hugely grateful to our performers, venues, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who help make the festival possible each year."
The festival is expected to attract visitors from across Ireland and overseas while showcasing the area's strong maritime and musical traditions.
