Sea shanty weekend to bring maritime music and RNLI celebrations to North Coast and Belfast

(L-R) Judy Nelson (RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer), Ruby & Sam (RNLI Lifeguards), Ivor Paul (RNLI Launch Authority), Perry Walton (RNLI Coxswain), Garth Anderson (The Causeway Shantymen Engagement Officer and Event Lead), Chris Millar (The Causeway Shantymen Chairman and Musical Director)

Northern Ireland’s coastline will ring with sea shanties, maritime storytelling and traditional music this summer as The Causeway Shantymen prepare to host a major cross-country Shanty Weekend celebrating the RNLI’s 25 years of lifeguarding.

The two-day event, taking place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026, will see performances staged across Portstewart, Portrush and Belfast, bringing together singers, musicians and maritime enthusiasts for a packed programme designed to celebrate coastal heritage while promoting vital water safety messages.

The weekend is expected to draw visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond, with organisers promising a lively mix of music, storytelling, community spirit and fundraising in support of the RNLI.

RNLI milestone at heart of celebrations

The Causeway Shantymen, Northern Ireland’s only all-male sea shanty group, are using the event to highlight a major milestone for the RNLI as the charity marks 25 years since launching its lifeguard service.

The group serves as Water Safety Ambassadors for the RNLI and says the weekend has been designed not only to entertain audiences but also to reinforce important safety messaging ahead of the busy summer holiday season.

Joining The Causeway Shantymen for the celebrations will be fellow sea shanty groups The Buoys of Ballisodare from County Sligo and The Selkies from Portaferry, County Down.

Together, the performers will deliver a programme blending traditional sea songs, maritime heritage and storytelling across some of Northern Ireland’s best-known coastal locations.

Michael Jess, Lifeguard Supervisor at the RNLI, said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the contribution lifeguards make every day around the coastline.

“It is important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all RNLI lifeguards.

“Some of our team have been working on the same beach for over 10 years. Around 95% of a lifeguard’s work is prevention. They keep beachgoers safe by educating them about water safety and helping them spot dangers before accidents happen.

“If you are planning a visit to the coast this summer, please remember to visit an RNLI lifeguarded beach.”

North Coast performances to launch weekend

The Shanty Weekend begins at Portstewart Harbour on Saturday 25 July from 3pm to 4.30pm as part of the Red Sails Festival.

The event will then move to Portrush Yacht Club later that evening, with performances running from 7pm until 10pm.

Organisers say the North Coast programme aims to celebrate the area’s deep connection to the sea while creating a festival atmosphere for residents and tourists during one of the busiest periods of the summer season.

Portrush Yacht Club Commodore Beni McAllister said the club was proud to support the event and its connection to maritime heritage.

“Portrush Yacht Club has a long and proud connection with the sea, making this a wonderful event for the club to support.

“We are delighted to welcome The Causeway Shantymen and their guests to Portrush Yacht Club and to support the RNLI as it marks 25 years of lifeguarding.

“We look forward to what promises to be a fantastic evening celebrating music, heritage and our shared connection to the sea.”

Belfast TradFest and Maritime Mile events planned

On Sunday 26 July, the celebrations move to Belfast’s Maritime Mile, where performances will take place at the Titanic Slipways and alongside the SS Nomadic from 12.45pm until 1.45pm as part of the opening programme for Belfast TradFest.

The festival atmosphere will continue later that afternoon in Belfast’s historic Commercial Court and Cathedral Quarter from 3pm until 5pm.

The Belfast performances will also act as a maritime-themed lead-in to the All-Ireland Fleadh, which takes place in the city from 2 to 9 August.

Willie Jack MBE, proprietor of the Duke of York and Harp Bar in Belfast, is personally funding the Belfast afternoon section of the event.

He said the city’s maritime history made it an ideal location for the celebrations.

“Sea shanties are all about community, friendship and storytelling, and Belfast is the perfect place to celebrate that tradition.

“We are proud to support an event that not only celebrates our maritime roots but also shines a light on the incredible work carried out by the RNLI every day. If we can raise awareness, raise some funds and give people a great weekend of entertainment at the same time, then that’s a fantastic result.

“Belfast has a rich maritime history, and I hope people will come along, enjoy the atmosphere and help make this a memorable weekend for everyone involved.”

‘Float to Live’ message to feature throughout weekend

Chris Millar, Chair and Musical Director of The Causeway Shantymen, said organisers wanted the event to combine entertainment with an important public safety message.

“This festival has been coordinated to showcase the breadth of shanty music represented by the groups taking part and to bring a taste of the camaraderie and craic that we all find through this music to our audiences.

“Highlighting the vital work of the RNLI’s lifeguarding team during this special 25th anniversary year is especially important as we sail into the busy holiday season.

“The Causeway Shantymen will continue to share the RNLI’s Float to Live message at our performances while bringing sea shanty fun, maritime heritage and plenty of entertainment to audiences throughout the weekend.”

The RNLI’s “Float to Live” advice encourages anyone who finds themselves struggling in the water to resist the instinct to swim hard or panic, instead floating on their back with ears submerged until breathing is under control before calling for help or swimming to safety.

Organisers are encouraging members of the public to attend the free performances across the weekend and support both the RNLI and the preservation of maritime traditions that remain deeply connected to coastal communities across Northern Ireland.

Weekend at a glance

• Saturday 25 July 2026

Portstewart Harbour, Red Sails Festival

3pm to 4.30pm

• Saturday 25 July 2026

Portrush Yacht Club

7pm to 10pm

• Sunday 26 July 2026

Titanic Slipways & SS Nomadic, Belfast Maritime Mile

12.45pm to 1.45pm

• Sunday 26 July 2026

Commercial Court & Cathedral Quarter, Belfast

3pm to 5pm

• Featuring performances from:

– The Causeway Shantymen

– The Buoys of Ballisodare

– The Selkies

• Celebrating:

– 25 years of RNLI lifeguarding

– Maritime heritage and storytelling

– RNLI “Float to Live” water safety campaign