Shanty Saturday

Enjoy a fabulous evening of sea shanties at Tavistock Town Hall from 7.30pm, with the toe-tapping sound of Barrett’s Privateers and Cousin Jack. The event is in aid of award-winning women’s and children’s charity, Trevi, based in Plymouth. A bar will be available, and tickets cost £20, which includes entry in the raffle; tickets can be purchased at Book Stop in Tavistock, Mansbridge Balment in Yelverton, Trewartha’s in Callington or by emailingjane362@btinternet.co.uk

Three local residents - Jane Scott, Wendy Batten and Ruth Harris – came up with the idea of organising the sea shanty festival in Tavistock in aid of Trevi’s Blossom Appeal, to provide a safe, women-only accommodation in Plymouth to help women escape from domestic violence and abuse. You can read more about Trevi’s work to help women rebuild their lives in our Charity Focus article. Jane, Ruth and Wendy have been in awe of Trevi’s inspirational work for some time and regularly raise funds for the charity through an informal walking group led by Ruth – as well as taking part in Trevi’s annual Warrior Women Walk. The three friends are also keen followers of various sea shanty groups, and it was when they were enjoying Port Isaac Shanty Festival earlier this year that the idea of a Tavistock gig for Trevi was voiced. Jane went into action immediately and started booking the groups there and then!

Barrett's Privateers 

Hailing from the Cornish side of the Tamar Valley, Barrett’s Privateers are a group of friends who have been drawn together by their love of singing and a desire to maintain the tradition of singing in pubs. This mixed crew, with ages ranging from mid-20s to 60+, all share a love of seafaring songs and shanties, traditional folk music and Cornish songs, and produce broad harmonies with a wonderful blend of male and female voices. Helmed by their captain, Gideon Barrett, with his vast knowledge of traditional songs, Barrett’s Privateers bring their lively and hugely entertaining performances to numerous events and festivals throughout Cornwall, Devon and beyond. Last year they recorded their debut album Shed No Tears and represented Cornwall at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany.

Cousin Jack 

Based in Bude, the group sings a variety of music, spanning the realms of folk, Irish and Cornish traditional songs, and sea shanties to name a few! The eight singers and two musicians come from a variety of backgrounds but formed as a group in 2018 when they came together through the enjoyment of singing and playing music together. The name "Cousin Jack" comes from the fact that they are of no fixed abode and explore wherever they are invited to share their music; they now make regular appearances throughout the West Country, often singing to raise money for charities. They are sure to get hands clapping and feet stamping.