We’re diving into some seriously exciting news this time around! The Port of Bristol Shanty Crew has officially smashed through the £50,000 mark in fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and let me tell you, that’s a monumental feat! We’re gonna share all the juicy details on how we pulled this off, from rocking gigs to heartwarming donations from our amazing fans and supporters. Plus, we’ve got some fun anecdotes and laughs, all while we get hyped for our live show at the St. Ives Shanty Shout – where we’re mingling with fellow sea shanty lovers! So, grab your shanty hats, and let’s set sail on this festive adventure together!
Shipshape and Bristol Fashion takes you on a wild ride through the heart of the sea shanty scene, and boy, is it a fun one! Kicking things off, Oggie and the crew are live at a gig, warming up for none other than the legendary Wurzels! The vibe is electric as they share their excitement about the buzzing weekend ahead, packed with three gigs back-to-back. The crew is not just about music; they’ve been making waves by fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust, sharing how they’ve smashed their goal by raising over £50,000! It’s a heartwarming tale that’s bound to make you smile. Rev Rev, the founder, takes the mic to celebrate this monumental achievement alongside the crew, who recount their adventures and the special badge they received to commemorate their hard work. The laughter flows as they joke about how they manage to collect donations – a mix of charm and cheeky banter that makes you feel like you’re part of the crew.
As the episode sails on, we dive into the essence of shanty singing and the community surrounding it. The crew chats with fellow shanty lovers at the Senn Ives Shanty Shout, capturing the spirit of camaraderie that makes these gatherings so special. They interview fellow groups, sharing stories that highlight the joy of singing together and the importance of keeping the tradition alive. Listening to this episode feels like sitting around a warm fire with friends, sharing tales and songs that resonate with all who love the sea. With plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and beautiful melodies, this episode encapsulates the rich tapestry of shanty life, reminding us all of the power of music to bring people together.
Finally, as the episode wraps up, the crew gives a shout-out to their upcoming gigs and events, including a festive performance at Cheltenham College Chapel, promising a night filled with merriment and joy. They invite listeners to join them in celebrating the holiday spirit while supporting a worthy cause. So grab your grog, settle in, and get ready to ride the waves of laughter and song with Shipshape and Bristol Fashion!
Takeaways:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
Please get your tickets for our Christmas Gig-20th Dec
https://tinyurl.com/AnEveningofMusicforVale
Sponsored by Nova Scotia https://novascotiabristol.com/
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Merchandise Shop https://pobshantycrew.co.uk/merch
Subscribe to our newsletter www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/newsletter
Join our Facebook crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.pobshantycrew.co.uk/
Donate to Teenage Cancer Trust https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/POBShantyCrew
Theme song provided by Kale A. Dean
Cover composite illustration - Clifton Suspension Bridge; Shanty Crewmates ©
Matt Jeanes Professional Artist
Copyright © 2025 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved
Welcome aboard the latest episode of Shipshape and Bristol Fashion! This time around, we’re diving deep into the vibrant world of sea shanties, bringing you a behind-the-scenes look at the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew. The episode kicks off with our charming host, Oggie, who introduces our newest crew members, Muff and Thunderbox. These lads have some wild backstories and unique journeys that led them to the crew, and trust me, they’re quite the characters! We get all the juicy deets about how Muff discovered his love for shanties at the Kin Folk Festival and how Thunderbox was practically press-ganged into joining after a serendipitous encounter at a pub gig. It’s hilarious and heartwarming, showcasing the sense of community that’s at the heart of shanty singing.
The episode also features a segment from the Signaler, where the crew shares updates about their recent performances, including a lively Trafalgar Night celebration filled with traditional songs and a touch of rum-fueled revelry. They’re not just belting out tunes; they’re raising money for charity, inching ever closer to their goal of £50,000! They’ve got gigs lined up at the St Ives Shanty Festival and even a Movember initiative to support facial hair growth for a cause. So, whether you’re a seasoned sea dog or a landlubber looking to learn more about this nautical art form, this episode is packed with laughter, camaraderie, and a whole lot of fun!
As we sail through the episode, we dive deeper into the personalities of Muff and Thunderbox, who share their experiences and the thrill of joining the shanty crew. Muff talks about his musical background and how it all started with a few festival visits, while Thunderbox shares his journey and the humor behind his quirky nickname. The banter between the hosts is infectious, and you can’t help but feel a part of this jovial crew as they swap stories and jokes. It’s a celebration of friendship and the joy of music, reminding us that at the end of the day, it’s all about having a good time and making memories. So grab a drink, kick back, and enjoy this lively episode as we set sail on another adventure with the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew!
Companies mentioned in this episode:
Port of Bristol Shanty Mo's Movember - Team
A COLLABORATION OF PRIDE OF BRITAIN REGIONAL FINALISTS Tickets https://www.cognitoforms.com/ValeWildlifeHospital1/AnEveningOfMusicACollaborationOfPrideOfBritainRegionalFinalists
Sponsored by Nova Scotia https://novascotiabristol.com/
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Merchandise Shop https://pobshantycrew.co.uk/merch
Subscribe to our newsletter www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/newsletter
Join our Facebook crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.pobshantycrew.co.uk/
Donate to Teenage Cancer Trust https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/POBShantyCrew
Theme song provided by Kale A. Dean
Cover composite illustration - Clifton Suspension Bridge; Shanty Crewmates ©
Matt Jeanes Professional Artist
Copyright © 2025 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved
Mentioned in this episode:
Chapters
Nova Scotia
In this special episode of Shipshape and Bristol Fashion, the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew welcomes none other than Tom Lewis – described as “the Beyoncé of the shanty world.” Steve “the Rev” Hawkins dives deep into Tom’s remarkable journey, from singing in Belfast choirs to submarines, folk clubs, and international stages. Hear about his influences, his legendary songs like The Last Shanty, and the unexpected ways his music has touched lives across generations. With stories of adventure, community, and the enduring power of song, this is an interview not to be missed.
Tom Lewis Website: https://www.tomlewis.net/index.htm
Sponsored by Nova Scotia https://novascotiabristol.com/
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Merchandise Shop https://pobshantycrew.co.uk/merch
Subscribe to our newsletter www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/newsletter
Join our Facebook crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.pobshantycrew.co.uk/
Donate to Teenage Cancer Trust https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/POBShantyCrew
Theme song provided by Kale A. Dean
Cover composite illustration - Clifton Suspension Bridge; Shanty Crewmates ©
Matt Jeanes Professional Artist
Copyright © 2025 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved
Mentioned in this episode:
Chapters
Nova Scotia
Ahoy there! We’re deep into the action at the Western Super Mare Shanty Festival, and let me tell ya, it’s a blast! In this episode, we’re chatting with a bunch of colorful characters, from fellow shanty singers to festival organizers, all sharing their love for sea shanties and the joy they bring. We get the scoop on how the festival started, thanks to our buddy Nigel, who had the brilliant idea to create a gathering that would celebrate the maritime spirit and bring people together. It’s incredible to see how this festival has grown over the years, attracting talent from all corners of the globe, including some acts all the way from Connecticut! And of course, there’s no shortage of stories about the shanties themselves — each one with its own unique history and rhythm. We’ll also touch on the challenges of balancing life, school, and the shanty lifestyle, especially for our young star, Shanty Boy, who’s navigating his way through GCSEs while still making time for the music he loves. So come aboard, and let’s ride the waves of this shanty-filled journey together!
Takeaways:
Sponsored by Nova Scotia https://novascotiabristol.com/
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Merchandise Shop https://pobshantycrew.co.uk/merch
Subscribe to our newsletter www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/newsletter
Join our Facebook crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.pobshantycrew.co.uk/
Donate to Teenage Cancer Trust https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/POBShantyCrew
Theme song provided by Kale A. Dean
Cover composite illustration - Clifton Suspension Bridge; Shanty Crewmates ©
Matt Jeanes Professional Artist
Copyright © 2025 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved
Mentioned in this episode:
Nova Scotia
Ahoy there, mateys! This time around, we're diving deep into the shanty scene at the Pirates in the Port Festival in Newport, where we had the absolute pleasure of supporting our pals, the Boys of Brin. We're all about celebrating sea shanties and folk music, and let me tell ya, this festival was a treasure trove of tunes and good vibes! We’ll be sharing our adventures from gigs, like the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, to our regular sessions at the Nova Scotia Hotel. Plus, we’ve got some juicy stories about our fun-filled performances and the community spirit that keeps us sailing smoothly. So grab a drink, settle in, and let’s shanty our way through this episode together!
Companies mentioned in this episode:
Sponsored by Nova Scotia https://novascotiabristol.com/
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Merchandise Shop https://pobshantycrew.co.uk/merch
Subscribe to our newsletter www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/newsletter
Join our Facebook crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.pobshantycrew.co.uk/
Donate to Teenage Cancer Trust https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/POBShantyCrew
Theme song provided by Kale A. Dean
Cover composite illustration - Clifton Suspension Bridge; Shanty Crewmates ©
Matt Jeanes Professional Artist
Copyright © 2025 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved
Mentioned in this episode:
Nova Scotia
Chapters