Shipshape and Bristol Fashion

Justin Blackett

Details

Welcome aboard Shipshape and Bristol Fashion — the podcast exploring the people, stories, music and adventures behind the world of sea shanties and maritime music. Hosted by Justin “Oggie” Blackett, we go beyond the songs to discover the characters and stories that make the shanty community so special. From the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew and fellow crews around the country, to musicians, festival organisers, historians and fascinating guests, we meet the people keeping maritime music alive. Expect entertaining conversations, live music, shanties, maritime history, festival stories, behind-the-scenes adventures and plenty of laughter along the way. Whether you're a lifelong shanty enthusiast, a performer, a maritime history fan, or you've simply discovered sea shanties and wondered what all the fuss is about — there's a place for you aboard. So grab a pint, haul on a rope and join us for the next adventure. Shipshape and Bristol Fashion — where the people behind the shanties have a story to tell.

Recent Episodes

AUG 5, 2026
Shanty Fest Vibes: Singing for a Cause and Having a Blast!
We're diving into the heart of the summer festival scene, folks! This episode is all about the magic of community and music, as we recount our recent adventures at various shanty festivals, including the unforgettable Woodfest, where we helped raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. We’ve got tales about belting out shanties, wrangling crowds, and the camaraderie that comes with performing together. It’s not just about the tunes; it's about making memories, supporting causes close to our hearts, and sharing some good ol' banter along the way! So grab your grog, settle in, and let’s ride the waves of joy and laughter as we recount our shanty escapades! Takeaways: This episode dives deep into the vibrant world of sea shanties, showcasing how these spirited songs bring people together in an unforgettable way. We learned about the heartwarming connection between the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew and the Teenage Cancer Trust, highlighting the importance of charity in their performances. The crew reminisced about their summer gigs, including the Bristol Harbour Festival, which was packed with laughter, camaraderie, and a ton of singing. Listeners got a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes of organizing events like Woodfest and how much effort goes into making them successful. Ollie Shanty Boy shared his excitement about performing in Holland, emphasizing the joy of traveling and singing with friends. The episode wrapped up with a promise of more fun adventures to come, reminding everyone to keep their spirits high and enjoy the music. Companies mentioned in this episode: Teenage Cancer Trust Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Woodfest Harbour Festival Falmouth International Shanty Festival RNLI DZ Boys Kilkenny Bay Tawny Shanty Men Lower Deckers Cleveland Cassenion Mentioned in this episode: Nova Scotia
69 MIN
JUL 5, 2026
Our Epic Adventure at the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival 2026
Ahoy, friends! We’re diving into the heart of the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride! This episode is packed tighter than a sailor's sea chest with highlights, interviews, and some seriously catchy tunes from our fellow shanty-loving crews. We're soaking up the vibes and chatting with everyone from seasoned shanty singers to first-time festival-goers, all while basking in the sunny Cornish weather that’s blessed us this year. We’ve got stories of camaraderie, laughter, and maybe a couple of slightly off-key notes, but hey, that’s what makes it all the more fun! So, grab a mug of your favorite grog, kick back, and let’s set sail on this musical journey together! Takeaways: This episode celebrates the vibrant atmosphere of the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, showcasing the joy of community singing. We explore how sea shanties have evolved and how they bring people together across cultures and generations. Listeners get an inside look at various shanty crews, highlighting their unique stories and musical styles, which adds to the festival's charm. The crew discusses the importance of embracing diversity in shanty music, making it accessible and relevant for today's audiences. The episode highlights the festival's impact on local businesses and the community, emphasizing the economic benefits of such cultural events. We share some hilarious moments from the festival, reminding everyone that laughter and fun are just as important as the music. Links referenced in this episode: scuttlebuttshantycrew.com falmouthinternationalseashantyfestival.com portisbshantyfestival.com ilfracombeshantyfestival.com armstrongspadens.com orkneyseashantysociety.com Links referenced in this episode: falmouthinternationalseashantyfestival.com scuttlebuttshantycrew.com ilfracombeshantyfestival.com orkneyseashantysociety.com armstrongspader.nl Companies mentioned in this episode: Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival Portal Bristol Shanty Rusty Tubbs Molly Loggers Catch of the Day Scuttlebutt Oggy Men The Longest Johns Barrel Seagals Seaweed in the Fruit Locker Orkney Sea Shanty Society Severn Whalers Hay Shanty Men Barnacle Boys 85ers Mentioned in this episode: Nova Scotia
77 MIN
JUN 5, 2026
Raise a Pint and Sing a Shanty: Recap of the Real Ale and Shanty Fest!
We're diving into the good vibes of the Real Ale and Shanty Festival 2026, and let me tell you, it's a blast! From the get-go, we’re all about celebrating the spirit of this wild gathering, where over 500 folks packed in to sip on some brews and belt out shanties like nobody's business. We’ve got our crew—Oggy, Ollie, and the legendary Tom Lewis—sharing their highlights, reflections, and a few cheeky anecdotes from the festival floor. It’s all about the music, the laughter, and those moments where the crowd sings so loud you can’t hear yourself think! So grab a pint, kick back, and join us as we relive the fun, the tunes, and all the shenanigans from this epic weekend! Takeaways: In this episode, we dive into the highlights of the Real Ale and Shanty Festival, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and incredible talent present at the event. Our crew reflects on the fantastic turnout of over 500 attendees on the first day, highlighting the joy and camaraderie shared among festival-goers and performers. We discuss the importance of the variety of singing styles at the festival, which provides an educational experience for both performers and audience members alike. Tom shares his heartfelt appreciation for the organization and hospitality of the event, emphasizing how well everything was run for a young festival. Listen in as we recount some hilarious moments, including a pint-fueled evening that left us all in high spirits, proving once again that laughter is the best medicine! We also take a moment to appreciate our fellow performers and the unique fusion of music styles that make this shanty festival a truly special gathering for everyone involved. Companies mentioned in this episode: Rusty Tubs Port of Bristol Shanty crew Real Ale and Shanty Festival Sir Thomas Rich's Grammar School for Boys Severn Area Rescue Authority Teenage Cancer Trust Falmouth International Shanty Festival Scrimshank Shanty Backbeach Boys Wurzels Madison's Thornbury Sailing Club Snuffy Jacks Henry Davis Brynn Mentioned in this episode: Nova Scotia Chapters
67 MIN
MAY 5, 2026
From Sailors to Singers: The Maritime Music Journey
Today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of maritime music with none other than Dean Calin, the man behind the Maritime Music Directory International! This convo is all about how this directory is not just a treasure trove for shanty lovers, but also a lifeline for artists looking to connect with fans and each other. We’ll be sharing some hilarious tales from our gigs, and trust me, you don’t want to miss Dean’s wild stories about how he got into this genre—spoiler alert: it involves a Catholic school and some unexpected sea shanties! Plus, we’ll chat about the upcoming shanty festivals and how you can get involved in the community. So, grab your headphones and get ready to sail through some fun tunes and laughs with us—this episode is sure to blow the cobwebs off your sea legs! Takeaways: In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of maritime music and the unique culture surrounding shanty crews, exploring how these musical traditions keep the spirit of the sea alive. We chat with Dean Callan, who shares his journey from a private school in Chicago to becoming a key player in the maritime music scene, highlighting the importance of community in this genre. The Maritime Music Directory International aims to connect artists and fans, showcasing the rich history and variety of maritime music with over a thousand groups and 400 venues listed. https://seashanties4all.com/ Listeners will discover how the pandemic spurred the growth of maritime music online, making it easier for new fans to engage with shanty culture and fostering a sense of global community. We discuss upcoming events and festivals, including the Real Ale and Shanty Festival, which brings together shanty crews and fans for a weekend of music, fun, and community spirit. Finally, we emphasize the importance of supporting maritime music, whether through attending events, donating to the Maritime Music Directory, or simply sharing the joy of shanty singing with friends. Companies mentioned in this episode: Maritime Music Directory International Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Thornbury Action Art Teenage Cancer Trust Falmouth International Shanty Festival Bristol Harbour Festival Newport Shanty Festival Nobby Tom Lewis Alela Diane Brandy Longest Johns 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 © 2026 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved Mentioned in this episode: Nova Scotia Chapters
50 MIN