Shipshape and Bristol Fashion

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:
Chapters
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

We’re diving into some seriously exciting news this time around! The Port of Bristol Shanty Crew has officially smashed through the £50,000 mark in fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and let me tell you, that’s a monumental feat! We’re gonna share all the juicy details on how we pulled this off, from rocking gigs to heartwarming donations from our amazing fans and supporters. Plus, we’ve got some fun anecdotes and laughs, all while we get hyped for our live show at the St. Ives Shanty Shout – where we’re mingling with fellow sea shanty lovers! So, grab your shanty hats, and let’s set sail on this festive adventure together!
Shipshape and Bristol Fashion takes you on a wild ride through the heart of the sea shanty scene, and boy, is it a fun one! Kicking things off, Oggie and the crew are live at a gig, warming up for none other than the legendary Wurzels! The vibe is electric as they share their excitement about the buzzing weekend ahead, packed with three gigs back-to-back. The crew is not just about music; they’ve been making waves by fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust, sharing how they’ve smashed their goal by raising over £50,000! It’s a heartwarming tale that’s bound to make you smile. Rev Rev, the founder, takes the mic to celebrate this monumental achievement alongside the crew, who recount their adventures and the special badge they received to commemorate their hard work. The laughter flows as they joke about how they manage to collect donations – a mix of charm and cheeky banter that makes you feel like you’re part of the crew.
As the episode sails on, we dive into the essence of shanty singing and the community surrounding it. The crew chats with fellow shanty lovers at the Senn Ives Shanty Shout, capturing the spirit of camaraderie that makes these gatherings so special. They interview fellow groups, sharing stories that highlight the joy of singing together and the importance of keeping the tradition alive. Listening to this episode feels like sitting around a warm fire with friends, sharing tales and songs that resonate with all who love the sea. With plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and beautiful melodies, this episode encapsulates the rich tapestry of shanty life, reminding us all of the power of music to bring people together.
Finally, as the episode wraps up, the crew gives a shout-out to their upcoming gigs and events, including a festive performance at Cheltenham College Chapel, promising a night filled with merriment and joy. They invite listeners to join them in celebrating the holiday spirit while supporting a worthy cause. So grab your grog, settle in, and get ready to ride the waves of laughter and song with Shipshape and Bristol Fashion!
Takeaways:
In our latest episode, we celebrated raising over £50,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which is totally epic!
We shared our gig experiences from the St Ives Shanty Festival, where the vibes were just amazing and everyone was singing along!
The crew's camaraderie is strong, and it was awesome to hear how everyone contributes to our charity efforts with passion and joy.
We reminisced about our fun-filled weekend of back-to-back gigs and how performing together keeps our spirits high and lively!
We discussed the importance of community in the shanty scene, and how it's a unique space for connection and good times!
Listeners got a sneak peek into our upcoming events, including a festive gig at Cheltenham College Chapel that promises to be a blast!

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Nova Scotia Pub
Wurzels
Teenage Cancer Trust
St. Peter's Hospice
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew
Falmouth Marine Band
Rhys the Night Church Pianist

Welcome aboard the latest episode of Shipshape and Bristol Fashion! This time around, we’re diving deep into the vibrant world of sea shanties, bringing you a behind-the-scenes look at the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew. The episode kicks off with our charming host, Oggie, who introduces our newest crew members, Muff and Thunderbox. These lads have some wild backstories and unique journeys that led them to the crew, and trust me, they’re quite the characters! We get all the juicy deets about how Muff discovered his love for shanties at the Kin Folk Festival and how Thunderbox was practically press-ganged into joining after a serendipitous encounter at a pub gig. It’s hilarious and heartwarming, showcasing the sense of community that’s at the heart of shanty singing.
The episode also features a segment from the Signaler, where the crew shares updates about their recent performances, including a lively Trafalgar Night celebration filled with traditional songs and a touch of rum-fueled revelry. They’re not just belting out tunes; they’re raising money for charity, inching ever closer to their goal of £50,000! They’ve got gigs lined up at the St Ives Shanty Festival and even a Movember initiative to support facial hair growth for a cause. So, whether you’re a seasoned sea dog or a landlubber looking to learn more about this nautical art form, this episode is packed with laughter, camaraderie, and a whole lot of fun!
As we sail through the episode, we dive deeper into the personalities of Muff and Thunderbox, who share their experiences and the thrill of joining the shanty crew. Muff talks about his musical background and how it all started with a few festival visits, while Thunderbox shares his journey and the humor behind his quirky nickname. The banter between the hosts is infectious, and you can’t help but feel a part of this jovial crew as they swap stories and jokes. It’s a celebration of friendship and the joy of music, reminding us that at the end of the day, it’s all about having a good time and making memories. So grab a drink, kick back, and enjoy this lively episode as we set sail on another adventure with the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew!
Companies mentioned in this episode:
Port of Bristol Shanty Crew
Bristol Masonic Widows Association
SS Great Britain
Teenage Cancer Trust
Fisherman's Friends
Storm Force 10
Press Gang
Movember
Cheltenham College Chapel
Pride of Britain

Port of Bristol Shanty Mo's Movember - Team
A COLLABORATION OF PRIDE OF BRITAIN REGIONAL FINALISTS Tickets https://www.cognitoforms.com/ValeWildlifeHospital1/AnEveningOfMusicACollaborationOfPrideOfBritainRegionalFinalists
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

In this special episode of Shipshape and Bristol Fashion, the Port of Bristol Shanty Crew welcomes none other than Tom Lewis – described as “the Beyoncé of the shanty world.” Steve “the Rev” Hawkins dives deep into Tom’s remarkable journey, from singing in Belfast choirs to submarines, folk clubs, and international stages. Hear about his influences, his legendary songs like The Last Shanty, and the unexpected ways his music has touched lives across generations. With stories of adventure, community, and the enduring power of song, this is an interview not to be missed.
Tom Lewis Website: https://www.tomlewis.net/index.htm
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 © 2025 Port of Bristol Shanty Crew - All Rights Reserved
Mentioned in this episode:
Chapters
Nova Scotia