August carried the Crew from a country fair and a brewery taproom to the grounds of a medieval castle—but one of the month’s most memorable musical moments occurred entirely by chance, over a quiet drink in a Porlock pub. We began on 2 August at Porlock Country Fair, where seven members of the Crew took to the field for an afternoon of shanties and maritime songs. Away from our own performance, we particularly enjoyed watching the family dog show—although, wisely, none of the

July proved that a good sea song can find a home almost anywhere: at a bustling beer festival, beside an old harbour, in the middle of a birthday celebration, on a village fete field or back in the familiar surroundings of our local pub.

We’re giving the Lynmouth Shanty Crew website a fresh new look, making it easier to explore our songs, stories, performances and maritime heritage. The new Ship’s Log is where we’ll share news from the Crew: gigs, festivals, rehearsals, road trips, new songs and the occasional moment that did not quite go to plan. Welcome aboard.