SHANTY festival organisers are set to host a 24-hour sing-a-long marathon more than ten years after the previous event which commemorated the 2012 Olympics.

The Harwich Shanty Festival will host the event at the Alma Inn and organisers are looking for enthusiastic singers.

Singers will also be raising funds for the Shanty Festival in October and the event will include more activities for attendees.

A spokeswoman for the Harwich Shanty Festival said: “The last Shanty Marathon was more than ten years ago in May 2012 and was a huge success, supported by many enthusiastic shanty singers.

“We have already had a huge response to this year’s event and we expect a large turnout. 

“It is done in shifts, so no-one is expected to stay up for the whole of the 26 hours unless they really want to.  We expect participants to dip in and out. 

“Words will be available so no need for anyone to worry if they are unfamiliar with shanties. “

There will be awards and challenges, spot prizes and games such as shanty bingo during the marathon, raffles and merchandise will also be available.

At the last Marathon, a total of 412 songs were sung.

The event will take place on Friday, April 28, from noon ending on Saturday, April 29 at 2pm.

For more information on this event and the shanty festival in October visit harwichshantyfestival.co.uk.