Singing & Spinning Wheels: The Orwellermen’s Shanty Ride to Falmouth
“Would it be silly to suggest cycling to the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival?” It was an offhand remark from the skipper of Suffolk’s own shanty crew, The Orwellermen. A light-hearted suggestion, surely? But like a well-sung chorus, the idea was quickly picked up, voices joined in, and before long, a plan was in motion.
The mission? A 450-mile cycling adventure from Ipswich to Falmouth, spreading the joy of sea shanties and raising funds for three deserving charities along the way. Those charities are the RNLI, Prostate Cancer UK, and Selig, an Ipswich-based homeless support charity. Their goal? To raise £4,500 – £1 for every mile pedalled by each of the ten determined cyclists.
Meet The Orwellermen
Hailing from the banks of the River Orwell, this spirited sea shanty crew is more than just a singing group – they’re a community. At their regular gatherings in Ipswich’s Steamboat Tavern, all are welcome. Whether seasoned sea dogs or landlubbers just dipping their toes into the world of shanties, all are invited. Though relatively new to the scene, The Orwellermen are already making waves, having performed at the Harwich Festival, the Ipswich Maritime Trust’s Heritage Day, and countless pubs and clubs across Suffolk.
Now, they’re taking their music beyond the coastline, bringing the roar of the sea to the landlocked counties of southern England. As they cycle from pub to pub, they’ll be entertaining audiences with rousing renditions of shanty classics like Drunken Sailor and The Wellerman, inviting locals to sing along and join in the spirit of camaraderie.
A Festival Like No Other
Their ultimate destination? The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, a three-day maritime music extravaganza held from 13th-15th June 2025. Established in 2003, the festival is a haven for shanty lovers, keeping the spirit of the sea alive through music, history, and plenty of good ale. With performances across the town – from bustling harbour-side stages to intimate pub gigs – it attracts crews from across the UK, Brittany, Holland, Spain, Canada, and Ireland.
For The Orwellermen, this is their Glastonbury – a chance to join the international shanty community and showcase their sound to thousands of festival-goers.
Where to Catch Them Along the Route
Before reaching Falmouth, they’ll be making several stops to perform. Thus they ensure every town along the way gets a taste of maritime magic:
- 30th May – Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh
- 7th June – The Swan, Isleworth
- 9th June – Tuckers Grave, Radstock
- 10th June – The Green Dragon, Wellington
- 11th June – The George Inn, Hatherleigh
- 12th June – Westbury Hotel, Bodmin
- 14th-15th June – The Festival, Falmouth
With voices strong and legs even stronger, The Orwellermen are proving that shanties and cycling make for the perfect voyage. Keep an eye (and an ear) out for them on the road. And, if they stop at a pub near you, buy them a pint and join in the chorus!
Suffolk Coast
The Orwellermen have just published their first self written song all about the “Suffolk Coast”. Produced in preparation for their cycle challenge, you can catch it on YouTube
Find out more about their journey at orwellermen.org.uk. Or follow them on Facebook (@Orwellermen) for updates. Their fund-raising page is at Orwellermen Fund-Raising.
