Taking over the Village of Fundy-St. Martins August 9, the multi-day festival will be the first musical event to grace the new amphitheatre following phase one of a million-dollar modernization project.
07/10/2024 - The Fundy Sea Shanty Festival makes its return for the third straight year in the picturesque village of Fundy-St. Martins from August 9 to 11. This year's festival is particularly special as performances will take place in the recently renovated Harbour Park, including a new amphitheatre and stage, built to better position the community to host such events. Last August, provincial and federal officials announced a combined $1.1 million investment over several years to complete two phases of upgrades in the area.
"Going back nearly 2 hundred years ago, ships that sailed the world were built right where our magnificent new amphitheatre will stand. You’ll almost be able to hear the sea shanties from bygone days echoing from the red rock cliffs surrounding the new stage," said Beth Winkle, the festival's executive director. "In a few short weeks, in this same spot, we get to host top sea shanty acts from near and far. We’re beyond excited."
More than 15 musical acts including local and international talent will encourage festival-goers to sing and dance along to traditional sea shanties, folk songs, and other maritime melodies all weekend long. This year’s festival even has its own choreographed dance routine posted online.
Performers include Cape Breton’s Barra MacNeils, Quebec's Seán Dagher, Bytown Sea Shanty Collective from Ottawa, Chris Ricketts from the United Kingdom, returning favourites Brise Glace, and many more.
Festival-goers are sure to enjoy the improved amenities, seating arrangements and stage along with landscaping enhancements to the area’s natural beauty, making it the ideal location to enjoy live performances. Guests will have the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant history and culture of the maritime region with a long list of interactive workshops and presentations, family-friendly entertainment, and culinary experiences. Free shuttles will transport guests throughout the village too, and to a select few hotels in neighbouring Saint John, thanks to ANBL’s Safe Ride Program.
All those in and around the village are in for an enjoyable weekend, as anyone can peruse the Harbour Bazaar with free admission, featuring unique crafts and artisan goods from over 20 talented vendors. Free pop-up concerts will also be happening throughout the community.
"We are very excited to host the third annual Fundy Sea Shanty Festival in our community’s new amphitheatre, against the stunning backdrop of the Irish River and red rock cliffs.," said Jim Bedford, mayor of Fundy-St. Martins.
The festival is made possible by funding from ExploreNB and Arts Culture NB, along with sponsorships from Envision Saint John, ANBL’s Safe Ride Program, Port Saint John, and many others. Music passes and activity tickets are on sale now, through Eventbrite. Main stage music passes can be purchased for Saturday, Sunday, or the whole weekend. For tickets and additional information, visit www.fundyseashantyfest.com or follow the festival on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fundyseashantyfest
About the Festival
The Fundy Sea Shanty Festival is an international music festival, the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada, and has been anchored in the Village of Fundy-St. Martins, New Brunswick, Canada every August for the past three years. Its mission is to celebrate the stories and songs of the sailors who helped forge nations during the age of sail through an exciting weekend-long line-up of fun, food, and music.
Media Contacts
Beth Winkle, Festival Director (506) 833-4772 or bethwinkle@gmail.com
Gary Caines, Creative Director (506) 832-3529 or gary@fundyseashantyfest.com
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