THE streets of Harwich will come alive with music and sea songs when Harwich International Shanty Festival next month.

The 16th Harwich International Shanty Festival is set to take place from October 7 to 9.

There’s an exciting lineup of artists from the Netherlands, France, Poland and all over the UK, including The Longest Johns, Brasy and Nordet.

Alongside shanties there will be a celebration of Harwich’s rich maritime heritage, exciting talks, tours, workshops and theatrical displays.

Debbie Jones, spokesman for the festival, said: “There will be over 200 events happening in the town and over 150 of these are free.

“Pirates, soldiers, and other strange and colourful characters will again be roaming the streets.

“Inner State Theatre will be bringing their Sunshine Variety Show to the Redoubt on the Saturday and will entertain along the Quayside on the Sunday with their sophisticated stupidity including the Great Deckchair Challenge.”

Other theatrical events are set to include River Rogues Pirates and The King’s German Artillery who will appear mainly at the Redoubt Fort but will also be having a skirmish on the beach.

There will also be maritime crafts at the Redoubt Fort as well as a special themed shanty train running between Harwich Town and Manningtree.

Debbie added: “We have an exciting variety of tours and talks this year.

“They include guided tours of the Redoubt and of Old Harwich as well as tours of Christopher Jones’ House by members of The Harwich Society.

“The Saturday sees the launch of an exciting new project, 58 Ships, discovering the story of every one of the ships built for The Royal Navy at the Harwich Navyard between 1660 and 1826, featuring songs, poetry, visual art and an overview of the project with Mick Verrier, Richard Oxborrow and others.”

On the Friday there will also be talks at the Electric Palace on Tudor Harwich and the Pubs of Harwich while on Saturday there is an illustrated talk on the Railway Ships of War.

The popular Bones Workshops will continue with ‘Dutch Uncle’ Hans Weehuizen instructing participants in playing the traditional maritime percussion instrument.

For details of all events visit harwichshantyfestival.co.uk.