Plans are already being drawn up for Old Leigh Shanty Festival’s return in 2024, featuring live folk music to raise funds for good causes.

Hoy Shanty Crew member Tony Prior has performed at nearly every Leigh folk festival since it began in 1992 and admitted it would be “a shame” to lose the atmosphere of the old town’s event.

Next year’s Old Leigh Folk Festival has been cancelled due to increasing production costs and a struggle to find new committee members. 

However, the organisers of the old town’s shanty festival hope to step in with their own major event.

Tony told the Echo: “But at the same time, shanty music has come into its own, with the Fishermen’s Friend films and the viral Wellerman shanty.”

The Hoy Shanty Crew was borne out of Southend’s Anchor Folk Club in 2014. It performs at gigs all over the country.

Tony added: “I thought it would be a good idea to bring shanties into the old town if the folk festival isn’t going to be there.”

The third Old Leigh Shanty Festival will take place from May 17 to 19, 2024. It will feature performances by around 15 shanty crews, along with other folk artists, dancers, “mummers”, pirates and bands.

Last year’s event raised a total of £5,000 for both the RNLI and Leigh’s Endeavour Trust.

On May 17, a “sing-around” session will be held at the Crooked Billet pub. On May 18, around 15 crews will perform all over Old Leigh. On May 19, more shanty crews and folk musicians will perform.

Tony said: “This is a community event. None of the performers are paid but we do raise money for charity. There’s no admission fee for any events.  Frankly, that’s the way I think it should be.”

However, Southend Council’s recent rejection of plans for a 15-bedroom hotel in Leigh has added to concerns over accommodation.

“Staying in Leigh is not easy,” Tony said.

“There are no hotels or bed and breakfasts at all. Anyone who comes to perform here has to find somewhere to stay.

“The lack of accommodation is a big problem. But people will come anyway.”