A shanty group has performed a special gig at the pub where they were formed almost 15 years ago.
The Nelson’s Shantymen, established at The Lord Nelson, Burnham Thorpe, returned to the pub on Saturday.
Operations manager at Lord Nelson Brian Brooks said that the team were “delighted” to welcome the group back once again.
Steve Ireson, who runs Nelson’s Shantymen, said the pub was “packed out” for the special performance.
The group, now based at The Jolly Sailors in Brancaster Staithe, is also celebrating as its members have so far raised £55,000 in its 14 years.
In 2023 alone, the shanty singers raised £10,000 for local charities through numerous gigs, CD sales and bucket collections at their rehearsals every Monday.
Lynn-based Scotty’s Little Soldiers received £4,000 of the funds, East Anglian Children’s Hospice also got £4,000 and the Hunstanton RNLI were given £2,000.
Steve said: ”It’s a fantastic achievement from all the guys and wives who help throughout the year. £10,000 is the most we’ve ever raised in one year.
“Hopefully in 2024 we will be able to exceed this amount.”
The group says it is “driven by a love of singing and a desire to keep the tradition of the authentic sea-shanty alive”.
Steve and his son Sam Ireson, also from Nelson’s Shantymen, are currently helping to organise the Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival in aid of the RNLI and NCI Brancaster, which will be held on the weekend of September 13.
Since the group’s formation nearly 15 years ago, the Lord Nelson has been bought by Holkham Estate and is operated by Norfolk’s largest brewery Woodforde’s, who sponsor the group’s polo shirts.
However, on Monday evenings, visitors to the Jolly Sailors pub can also enjoy the Nelson’s Shantymen rehearsals from around 7pm, as well as gigs nearly every week.
The Shantymen have appeared at several festivals, including the prestigious Harwich Sea Shanty Festival in 2013.
They also performed at the launch of the new Hunstanton lifeboat.
The group’s musical repertoire includes a number of songs that celebrate the achievements of Lord Nelson, with their first CD being released in 2012 ‘Singing for Victory’. The most recent CD was recorded in 2023 called ‘Norfolk Tides’.
Driven by the aim of raising money for charities, the shantymen have helped many charitable causes including Children In Need, Help for Heroes, Comic Relief, QEH Critical Care Unit and many more.
Reported by Lola Jackson