Saturday, September 14, sees the first Sea Shanty Festival to be staged in Sharpness, as celebrations continue to mark 150 years since the opening of Sharpness New Dock.

Organised by the Sharpness 150 team, the festival features five of the West's best loved sea shanty crews at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club, at Sharpness Docks, GL13 9UN.

Audience members are welcome to join the fun from 2pm. Performances begin at 3pm and continue into the evening, with tales of the sea from:

• Severn Whalers
• Friggit
• Gloucester Diamonds
• Tawny Shantymen
• Kilkenny Bay Steamers

Admission and parking are free, and the Sharpness Sports and Social Club bar will be open for drinks and food throughout the event.

On show at the Sharpness 150 Sea Shanty Festival are the acclaimed Sharpness 150 timeline and a display from event sponsors the Gloucester Harbour trustees, whose remit covers the safe navigation of the River Severn around Sharpness Docks.

Sharpness 150 is a programme of community events created by the Sharpness 150 team, to mark 150 years since the opening of Sharpness New Dock on 25th November 1874 - an event which transformed local lives and industry.

It brings together people from the community, surrounding areas and visitors to celebrate the past, present and future of Sharpness docks, its associated industries and, most importantly, the many personal stories they have helped to shape.

The Sharpness 150 team is also developing an online heritage resource to preserve generations of Sharpness stories as a legacy for all to experience and enjoy.

Sharpness 150 is a multi-organisation initiative led by volunteers from the Vale of Berkeley and the Stroud Vintage Engine and Transport Club (SVTEC), with support from the Gloucester Harbour Trust, the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub Canal & River Trust, local councils and historians.

We welcome further support from local businesses, charities, organisations and visitor attractions.