More than Shanties

Join musician and singer Rebecca Leek in learning a few shanties together - it's a workshop for children but children must be accompanied - so everyone can join in! A great way to get into the shanty spirit earlier on in the day. Ticketed

Are they instruments? Are they puppets? Are they dancers? We think they're all three. Come and learn to jig along, and even buy one to take home. Ticketed

A traditional Victorian magic lantern show with live music. At the wonderful Electric Palace. Ticketed 

Learn to add rhythm with these authentic instruments, now made out of wood as a replicas. At various times across the weekend - see the printed programme for details. Ticketed

Learn to be a real pirate with Hook, Line & Sinker and their singing, shadow puppet friends. Recommended age 6+ Ticketed

Seaside Explorers is a multi-subject, outdoor activity session for accompanied children aged 3-11. Enjoy fun and discovery on Harwich Beach. 

Another much loved demonstration the Redoubt Fort - watch Andy Peters, a true craftsman at work. He has specialised in decorative Maritime carving for over 30 years, producing intricate and beautiful Figureheads, Nameboards, Trailboards and all things nautical. 

Visitors will be able to see demonstrations of splitting and smoking herrings, plus old photographs and text about an industry which once employed a quarter of the population. There will of course be the opportunity to buy the finished, freshly smoked product, which often sell out quickly. At the Redoubt Fort.

Rachel Richards will be selling and demonstrating authentic rope pieces at the Redoubt Fort, including decorative and practical knotted and marlinspike items. There's no sailing without ropes so worth checking out this essential craft!

A Victorian polar expedition re-enactment performance. Something a bit different but completely in-keeping with a festival steeped in shipwrecks, icy acres and the Northwest Passage. 

There are all sorts of groups and re-enactment 'moments' to witness across the weekend. Expect pirates, and Napoleonic soldiers, expect costumes and some noise and mayhem.

An entertaining retro picnic of songs and silliness from this theatrical duo. Includes the great deckchair challenge! More about Inner State on the Artist pages. 

Arrive in Harwich in style on the Shanty Train on Saturday morning. Yes - actual shanty singers on board. To book either the 11am or 12pm train, visit the ESSCRP page.

You will find details of ticketed talks on our Buy Online page - from Tasmanian crayfishing to the history of boats in Harwich waters.