Shipshape and Bristol Fashion

Today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of maritime music with none other than Dean Calin, the man behind the Maritime Music Directory International! This convo is all about how this directory is not just a treasure trove for shanty lovers, but also a lifeline for artists looking to connect with fans and each other. We’ll be sharing some hilarious tales from our gigs, and trust me, you don’t want to miss Dean’s wild stories about how he got into this genre—spoiler alert: it involves a Catholic school and some unexpected sea shanties! Plus, we’ll chat about the upcoming shanty festivals and how you can get involved in the community. So, grab your headphones and get ready to sail through some fun tunes and laughs with us—this episode is sure to blow the cobwebs off your sea legs!
Takeaways:
In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of maritime music and the unique culture surrounding shanty crews, exploring how these musical traditions keep the spirit of the sea alive.
We chat with Dean Callan, who shares his journey from a private school in Chicago to becoming a key player in the maritime music scene, highlighting the importance of community in this genre.
The Maritime Music Directory International aims to connect artists and fans, showcasing the rich history and variety of maritime music with over a thousand groups and 400 venues listed. https://seashanties4all.com/
Listeners will discover how the pandemic spurred the growth of maritime music online, making it easier for new fans to engage with shanty culture and fostering a sense of global community.
We discuss upcoming events and festivals, including the Real Ale and Shanty Festival, which brings together shanty crews and fans for a weekend of music, fun, and community spirit.
Finally, we emphasize the importance of supporting maritime music, whether through attending events, donating to the Maritime Music Directory, or simply sharing the joy of shanty singing with friends.

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Maritime Music Directory International
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew
Thornbury Action Art
Teenage Cancer Trust
Falmouth International Shanty Festival
Bristol Harbour Festival
Newport Shanty Festival
Nobby
Tom Lewis
Alela Diane
Brandy
Longest Johns

Sponsored by Nova Scotia https://novascotiabristol.com/
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Merchandise Shop https://pobshantycrew.co.uk/merch
Subscribe to our newsletter www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/newsletter
Join our Facebook crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.pobshantycrew.co.uk/
Donate to Teenage Cancer Trust https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/POBShantyCrew
Theme song provided by Kale A. Dean
Cover composite illustration - Clifton Suspension Bridge; Shanty Crewmates ©
Matt Jeanes Professional Artist
Copyright © 2026 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved
Mentioned in this episode:
Nova Scotia
Chapters

Yo, folks! We're diving into the deep end of sea shanties and good vibes in this episode, and let me tell ya, the upcoming Real Ale and Sea Shanty Festival happening in Bristol on May 9th and 10th, 2026. We're talking about an epic gathering at Freemasons Hall, where the legendary Porter Bristol Shanty Crew will be belting out tunes alongside special guest Tom Lewis. And don't even get me started on the atmosphere—it's gonna be a blast with powerful harmonies, maritime history, and a selection of real ales and ciders that’ll have you singing all night long!
We also hear from people who attended the Bristol Trelawny shout , with Olly the Shanty Boy
We’ve also got some heartwarming stories, like our chat with Katherine Collins, who shares her journey of overcoming challenges to perform on stage as a mermaid.
Takeaways:
The Real Ale and Sea Shanty Festival is coming back to Bristol in May 2026, and it's going to be a blast with tons of shanty singers and good vibes.
Singing sea shanties isn't just about music; it's a way to connect with maritime history and celebrate community spirit, which is super cool.
Catherine Collins, a member of the shanty crew, shares her inspiring journey overcoming health challenges to perform and even become a mermaid on stage.
The shanty scene is all about inclusivity and accessibility, showing that anyone can join in the fun, no matter their background or abilities.
Live music, community bonding, and drinking real ales are the perfect recipe for an unforgettable weekend at the shanty festival!
Sea shanties are making a serious comeback, riding the wave of popularity thanks to viral hits like 'Wellerman' and bringing people together in harmony.

Links referenced in this episode:
www.aleandshanty.co.uk

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew
Tom Lewis
cask
Thunderbox
Bristol Girls
Severn Whalers
Boscastle Boys
Vancouver Mermaid
Royal British Legion

Sponsored by Nova Scotia https://novascotiabristol.com/
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Merchandise Shop https://pobshantycrew.co.uk/merch
Subscribe to our newsletter www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/newsletter
Join our Facebook crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.pobshantycrew.co.uk/
Donate to Teenage Cancer Trust https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/POBShantyCrew
Theme song provided by Kale A. Dean
Cover composite illustration - Clifton Suspension Bridge; Shanty Crewmates ©
Matt Jeanes Professional Artist
Copyright © 2026 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved

Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Cornish shanties! This episode is all about the lively atmosphere surrounding St. Piran’s Day and how the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew is shaking things up this spring. We’re chattin’ with the legend Thunderbox, who’s dishing out the scoop on the Cornish shanty scene, from its roots in tin mines to the lively pubs where the magic happens today. Plus, we’ve got some of our classic tunes lined up to keep your spirits high, and we’ll even give you the lowdown on where you can catch us live in the coming month. So grab a pint, kick back, and let’s get our shanty on! Set sail into the melodic world of maritime tunes with Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion, where host Oggie and the crew are diving deep into the vibrant Cornish shanty scene. This episode is a special treat, coinciding with St. Piran's Day, celebrating the patron saint of Cornwall. Oggie kicks things off with a warm welcome, reminiscing about the joys of spring and the return of shanty singing across the UK. The vibe is electric as they tease out some juicy insights into the Cornish shanty tradition, with anecdotes that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting right there in a cozy pub, pint in hand. Our special guest, Thunderbox, takes us on a rollicking ride through the historical roots of shanty singing in Cornwall, tracing it back to the days of tin and lead miners. He shares tales of the legendary Fisherman’s Friends and how they sparked a shanty renaissance in local pubs. With a wink and a nod, Thunderbox highlights the communal spirit of these gatherings, where everyone’s invited to join in the singing, regardless of skill level. You can almost hear the sea breeze and feel the camaraderie as he describes the lively atmosphere of Cornish pubs where shanty singing thrives. To wrap things up, our musical director Doc treats us to a whimsical ditty about the Port of Bristol Shanty Gnomes, perfectly capturing the playful essence of maritime life. This episode is a joyful celebration of music, community, and the rich traditions of Cornwall, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the shanty scene. So, grab your headphones and get ready to haul away with some catchy tunes that’ll have you singing along in no time!
Takeaways:
We kicked off the episode with a warm welcome, celebrating St. Piran's Day and the vibrant Cornish culture.
Thunderbox gave us a deep dive into the history of shanty singing in Cornwall, starting back with miners and fishermen.
The Port of Bristol Shanty Crew is totally revving up for a busy 2026, with gigs and festivals to keep us dancing and singing.
Our musical director Doc is a wizard, crafting a fun poem about the Port of Bristol Shanty Gnomes that had us giggling and singing along.
The shanty scene is all about community and good vibes, bringing folks together for nights filled with laughter and music.
We wrapped things up by encouraging listeners to catch us on social media, because we love connecting with you all and sharing our musical journey.

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew
Fisherman's Friends
Barrett's Privateers
Teenage Cancer Trust
Oakland Construction
Tithe Barn Dementia Choir
Highndry
Royal British Legion
Nova Scotia
Will Keating

Get your Real Ale and Shanty Festival tickets soon at aleandshanty.co.uk
Sponsored by Nova Scotia https://novascotiabristol.com/
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Merchandise Shop https://pobshantycrew.co.uk/merch
Subscribe to our newsletter www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/newsletter
Join our Facebook crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.pobshantycrew.co.uk/
Donate to Teenage Cancer Trust https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/POBShantyCrew
Theme song provided by Kale A. Dean
Cover composite illustration - Clifton Suspension Bridge; Shanty Crewmates ©
Matt Jeanes Professional Artist
Copyright © 2026 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved

Get ready to set sail with us as we dive into the world of shanties in this episode of Shipshape and Bristol Fashion! We’re chattin’ with the legendary Nobby, our resident shanty expert, who’s got more sea stories than you can shake a stick at. We also catch up with Ash, our go-to signaller, who fills us in on all the latest news and upcoming gigs for the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew. Spoiler alert: we've got a busy 2026 ahead, with the Real Ale and Shanty Festival coming up in May, featuring the one and only Tom Lewis! So grab a pint, kick back, and let’s hoist the sails on some nautical nonsense and tunes that’ll have you singing along before you know it!
Takeaways:
This episode dives into the shanty world, sharing juicy tidbits and interviews with talented singers.
We learned about the upcoming Real Ale and Shanty Festival on May 9th and 10th, which promises to be a blast.
The crew reflects on their journey, emphasizing the tight-knit community and support from listeners like you.
Nobby, our resident shanty expert, shares delightful stories and knowledge from the captain's quarters.
Ash, our signaller, updates us on recent gigs and events, highlighting the fun times ahead for the crew.
The podcast encourages other shanty crews to get in touch, promoting a collaborative spirit among sea song lovers.

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Nova Scotia Bristol
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew
Oakland Construction
Freemasons hall

Get your Real Ale and Shanty Festival tickets soon at aleandshanty.co.uk
Sponsored by Nova Scotia https://novascotiabristol.com/
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Merchandise Shop https://pobshantycrew.co.uk/merch
Subscribe to our newsletter www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/newsletter
Join our Facebook crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.pobshantycrew.co.uk/
Donate to Teenage Cancer Trust https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/POBShantyCrew
Theme song provided by Kale A. Dean
Cover composite illustration - Clifton Suspension Bridge; Shanty Crewmates ©
Matt Jeanes Professional Artist
Copyright © 2026 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved
Mentioned in this episode:
Nova Scotia

We're diving into some heartfelt waters this time around, folks! First off, we’re dedicating this whole episode to the amazing Barbara, Chillis mum, who recently passed. She was a superhero in her own right, always championing the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew and doing incredible work in her community. We’re feeling all the feels as we remember her spirit and the impact she had on our lives. But it's not all somber vibes; we also get into the nitty-gritty of a fantastic collaborative concert we pulled off for the Vale Wildlife Hospital, raising over £6,200! Talk about a win-win, right? So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let’s celebrate the power of community and the joy of music while keeping Barbara’s memory alive!
Donate to Vale https://www.valewildlife.org.uk/membership/
Find out more about Rhys https://thenightchurchpianist.co.uk/
Takeaways:
This episode kicks off on a heartfelt note, as we remember Barbara, Chillis Mum, who recently passed away, and we dedicate this episode to her legacy.
We dive into the success of the collaborative concert for the Vale Wildlife Hospital, which raised over £6,227, showcasing the power of community support.
Charlotte shares her journey from a passionate volunteer at Vale Wildlife Hospital to becoming a regional finalist at the Pride of Britain Awards, highlighting the impact of grassroots efforts.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of wildlife hospitals like Vale, which treat around 8,000 patients yearly, and rely entirely on donations without any government funding.
Listeners are encouraged to donate to the Vale Wildlife Hospital, and reminded that even small contributions can make a big difference in animal care and rehabilitation.

Links referenced in this episode:
valewildlife.org.uk

Sponsored by Nova Scotia https://novascotiabristol.com/
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew Merchandise Shop https://pobshantycrew.co.uk/merch
Subscribe to our newsletter www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/newsletter
Join our Facebook crew https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.pobshantycrew.co.uk/
Donate to Teenage Cancer Trust https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/POBShantyCrew
Theme song provided by Kale A. Dean
Cover composite illustration - Clifton Suspension Bridge; Shanty Crewmates ©
Matt Jeanes Professional Artist
Copyright © 2026 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved