Shanties on the Shore to return to Saltburn promenade

Shanties on the Shore is a series of Friday night performances by Saltburn Smugglers, the North’s largest shanty group.

The event will bring sea songs to life on Saltburn’s top promenade on July 17, July 31, and August 14.

Saltburn Smugglers will bring back Shanties on the Shore this summer, with free Friday evening sea shanty performances on Saltburn promenade. (Image: Keith Ayling)

Keith Ayling, founder of Saltburn Smugglers, said: "Four years ago we decided to sing on the promenade, not knowing if anyone would come, and hundreds did.

"There’s something magical about singing next to the sea as the sun goes down, and visitor numbers have doubled every year.

"We’re putting Saltburn firmly on the map as a musical town."

Saltburn Smugglers will bring back Shanties on the Shore this summer, with free Friday evening sea shanty performances on Saltburn promenade. (Image: Keith Ayling)

Now in its fourth year, the event continues to grow, with organisers saying crowds could reach 1,000 people each night.

Saltburn Smugglers have seen rising popularity, with their last EP going viral and growing their Facebook following to 53,000.

Since January 2025, every theatre show they have performed has sold out.

The group recently completed a spring tour with appearances at Durham University, Wychwood Festival, and the Fish & Ships Festival in Whitby.

They are also active in music education, having visited 40 primary schools this year to lead sessions that combine whole class singing with maritime history.

Mr Ayling said: "Visitors bring deckchairs, hampers, and buy fish & chips for the full seaside experience."

The events will begin at 6pm on each of the scheduled dates.