Introducing Mariners Away

Based in South Zeal on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, Mariners Away are a long-established shanty crew formed in 2007 who perform traditional sea shanties and other songs of the sea.

The current line-up numbers twelve if all are available however we generally perform with nine or ten crew for most outings.

Over recent years we have performed at a veritable fleet of events including all the popular shanty festivals, folk festivals, beer festivals, cider fests, wassails, coronation celebrations, birthday parties, weddings, funerals, WI Christmas parties, RD&E hospital wards and we were even aboard the relaunch of SV Britannia, the historic fishing smack now berthed in Exeter Quay as she undergoes her finishing touches.

In October 2023 we also had the unique honour of appearing on BBC Spotlight early evening magazine news programme and serenading the South West TV audience as the regional airwaves were handed back to the national network.

Among our more recent cherished moments have been two exclusive concerts at the prestigious Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington while also performing at the world famous Sidmouth Folk Festival and the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival. The pinnacle, following on from our TV appearance, was undoubtedly the special two-and-a-half-hour fundraising concert in October 2023 in aid of Royal Devon & Exeter hospital when we were joined by our talented friends in Jim Causley, Windjammer, Elizabeth-Jane Baldry, and local comedian and compere Jonno at Exeter’s Corn Exchange, one of the south west’s largest entertainment venues.

A phenomenal £2500 was raised for the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital cardiac wards and various charities which was presented in early December. See separate article.

2024 was an extraordinary year for Mariners Away. We performed over 50 sets across more than 30 gigs – a milestone of which we’re incredibly proud, especially considering our combined age exceeds 800! (Yes, we know, we don’t look a day over 400!) 🙂

The year was filled with unforgettable milestones, and we’re excited to share some of those highlights with you. A huge thank you to all our friends, supporters and crew members of Mariners Away who’ve accompanied us on this amazing journey.

We made sure we stayed connected to our roots throughout the twelve months by entertaining regulars at a few local pub gigs such as The Golden Lion in High Bickington, The Duke of York at Iddesleigh, The Bull and Dragon in Meeth (twice), The Kings Arms at Winkleigh, while not forgetting our very own Kings Arms in South Zeal of course where Carolyn and ‘Woody’ yet again very kindly allowed us to continue to use the pub for our rehearsal space on Wednesdays and Thurdays.

We were also delighted to support All Saints Church in Okehampton and St Edmond Church in Dolton with their respective fundraising efforts.

We had a blast providing entertainment at various weddings, private parties and special events too including a fun performance for the Exbourne Women’s Institute in December, while we are always pleased to support the Britannia Sailing Trust as they continue the impressive restoration of SV Britannia in Exeter Quay.

We were also surprised to receive a most unexpected standing ovation at the finale of our Heart of Devon summer concert in Bow, we just thought everyone was getting up to leave… apparently not. 🤗

Throughout the year, we performed at a number of well-established shanty and music festivals such as Port Isaac, Hatherleigh, Lyme Regis and Falmouth of course, while also supporting several newer ones at Cockwood, Bude, Weston-super-Mare, Barry Island, North Tawton and Exeter Quay – our set at the Bishop’s Blaize being particularly memorable as 10 Mariners fought valiantly for space on a stage the size of postage stamp!

In complete contrast to Exeter, at Falmouth we were privileged to be invited to perform on the magnificent main stage at the world famous International Sea Shanty Festival in mid-June, with our set also being broadcast live on local radio!

But one of the most meaningful, poignant and personal moments of the year came when we were invited to perform to celebrate the opening of the new cardiology unit at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. As our relationship with RD&E develops we were honoured to represent the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity by providing pre-match entertainment at the Premiership rugby union match between Exeter Chiefs vs Harlequins at Sandy Park on the charity’s behalf in October – an exciting change of pace and venue for a land-locked sea-shanty crew!

One of Devon’s most prestigious entertainment venues, The Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington played host for our third exclusive and memorable concert in as many years to an near sell-out audience, long may that arrangement continue.

Another highlight, saw us make our third radio appearance of the year when we travelled to Truro performing live on David White’s BBC Devon & BBC Cornwall afternoon slot.

But perhaps our biggest milestone of the year came in December, when we were privileged to perform at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, the premier officer training academy in the UK. We were invited to entertain the first-year officers’ at their private graduation dinner, which was extra special due to the college’s rich history. It is of course where our late Queen, Elizabeth II met her future husband Philip, and where our present monarch, King Charles III and future king, Prince William also trained.

We wrapped up the year with a return visit to RD&E and entertained patients around the wards. The most touching moment came on Avon Ward, where our music apparently gave one patient the strength to get out of bed for the first time that day, walk down the corridor, and join us in the singing. There were tears all around!

To appreciate the full story of our amazing journey please visit Our History

Check 2025 – Upcoming Performances to find out where Mariners Away will be singing next.

Click below to learn more about Mariners Away and the history behind the crew.

Latest News

  • THREE DAYS TO GO … AND COUNTING!

    THREE DAYS TO GO … AND COUNTING!

    We’re thrilled to be heading off for a few days of music, merriment, and maritime spirit at the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival Join us as we perform four lively sets across Friday 13th and Saturday 14th June – including a selection of brand new numbers we can’t wait to share. See main image for…

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  • Mariners Away are LIVE & FREE this Friday evening, 6th June

    Mariners Away are LIVE & FREE this Friday evening, 6th June

    See Mariners Away LIVE & FREE this Friday evening, 6th June at Heron Farm & Vineyard ‘Woodfired Weekend’, from 6.00pm. (We’ll be performing two sets from 7.00pm throughout the evening). June sees the return of Heron Farm’s ever-popular Woodfired Weekends, the fun starts from 6.00pm within the walled garden for their special tapas menu! This…

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  • FALMOUTH BECKONS!

    FALMOUTH BECKONS!

    Just under FOUR WEEKS to go until the legendary Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival sets sail again! Over 80 amazing groups from the UK, Europe, and beyond will be filling the town and quaysides with the sounds of classic and contemporary sea shanties – and we’re thrilled to be part of it once again! This…

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  • NEXT UP – THE DUKE OF YORK, IDDESLEIGH

    NEXT UP – THE DUKE OF YORK, IDDESLEIGH

    BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY from around 3pm

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  • NEXT UP – THE PINHOE HOARD – THIS EASTER SATURDAY

    NEXT UP – THE PINHOE HOARD – THIS EASTER SATURDAY

    Join Mariners Away for our first-ever visit to The Pinhoe Hoard – Exeter this Easter Saturday, 19th April. Two sets from 1.00pm – 1.45pm and again at 2.15pm – 3.00pm The Pinhoe Hoard, Bakers Way, Pinhoe, Exeter, Devon EX4 8GA ///stacks.lasts.boots

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  • MARINERS AWAY ANNOUNCE CONCERT IN SUPPORT OF EXETER LEUKAEMIA FUND – NOW SOLD OUT

    MARINERS AWAY ANNOUNCE CONCERT IN SUPPORT OF EXETER LEUKAEMIA FUND – NOW SOLD OUT

    EXETER LEUKAEMIA FUND (ELF) Crediton Fundraising Group presents an evening with Mariners Away on Saturday 31st May at Bow Village Hall. Doors open 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm. Please come along for an evening of fun and help support a very worthy cause. Tickets are just £10 and INCLUDE a pasty supper. To reserve tickets…

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  • COCKWOOD SHANTY FESTIVAL – Our times and Venues Confirmed!

    COCKWOOD SHANTY FESTIVAL – Our times and Venues Confirmed!

    Join us on Saturday, 22nd March for an unforgettable day of sea shanties and great company at the following! 1.00pm – Royal British Legion, Starcross 5.00pm – The Anchor Inn, Cockwood 8.00pm – Starcross Pavilion We’ll be debuting our BRAND NEW 2025 set list, packed with exciting new songs we’ve been perfecting for weeks! Full…

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  • OUR 2025 SCHEDULE – UPDATED 21.02.25

    OUR 2025 SCHEDULE – UPDATED 21.02.25

    Before travelling to any of the above gigs please check our Facebook page and/or 2025 – Upcoming Performances We are delighted to confirm a number of new gigs to our fast-growing schedule for 2025 with two more prestigious events in the pipeline. Timings are now confirmed for the Cockwood Shanty Festival on Saturday, 22nd March…

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  • MILESTONES GALORE IN 2024!

    MILESTONES GALORE IN 2024!

    2024 was an extraordinary year for Mariners Away. We performed over 50 sets across more than 30 gigs – a milestone of which we’re incredibly proud, especially considering our combined age exceeds 800! (Yes, we know, we don’t look a day over 400!) 🙂 The year was filled with unforgettable milestones, and we’re excited to…

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  • MARINERS AWAY TEAM UP WITH EXETER CHIEFS

    MARINERS AWAY TEAM UP WITH EXETER CHIEFS

    It will be a slight diversion from our usual performance venue when Mariners Away provide the pre match entertainment at Sandy Park, home of Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club on Sunday, 27th October as Rob Baxter’s side face Gallagher Premiership rivals Harlequins – kick-off 3.00 pm. We’ll be appearing on The Piazza from 1.05pm – 1.45pm,…

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  • TICKETS ON SALE AND SELLING FAST – BOOK NOW!! See Mariners Away in Concert – The  Plough Arts Centre – 19th OCTOBER 2024

    TICKETS ON SALE AND SELLING FAST – BOOK NOW!! See Mariners Away in Concert – The Plough Arts Centre – 19th OCTOBER 2024

    WE ARE DELIGHTED TO BE RETURNING TO THE PLOUGH ARTS CENTRE FOR A THIRD YEAR RUNNING!! – DON’T MISS ONE OF THE SOUTH WEST’S LEADING SEA SHANTY CREWS IN CONCERT – From 8pm, Saturday 19th October 2024, (TWO x 45 min sets with interval). Tickets £12 (£10 Plough Supporters) *Please note a 5% booking fee…

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  • WHERE YOU CAN SEE MARINERS AWAY THIS SUMMER

    WHERE YOU CAN SEE MARINERS AWAY THIS SUMMER

    If the text below is not showing legibly on your device then please click on ‘read more’ and it should reflow correctly. If doesn’t then it’s time to think about updating your phone 🙂 Saturday, 27thPRIVATE FUNCTION AUGUST   Saturday, 3rdWESTON-SUPER-MARE – SHANTY FESTIVALWeston-Super-Mare, Somerset https://wsmshantyfest.com2.30pm – 3.30pm – Raddy’s Cafe Bar, 14 Beach Rd BS23 1AU https://www.facebook.com/raddyscafebar/?locale=en_GB5.00pm – 6.00pm –…

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  • MARINERS AWAY TO APPEAR ON MAIN STAGE AT FALMOUTH

    MARINERS AWAY TO APPEAR ON MAIN STAGE AT FALMOUTH

    Mariners Away are absolutely thrilled to have been invited to appear on the MAIN STAGE (sponsored by Seasalt) at Europe’s largest free nautical music and song festival, the Falmouth International Shanty Festival in Cornwall. We will be opening the day’s proceedings in Events Square at 1.00pm on Saturday, 15th June and will also be perfroming…

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  • BANK HOLIDAY FUN AT THE DUKE OF YORK

    BANK HOLIDAY FUN AT THE DUKE OF YORK

    We are looking forward to entertaining you outside* Iddesleigh’s historic 15th century inn, The Duke of York, THIS COMING BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY, 6th May from 3.30pm and again after the BIG raffle. *(weather permitting) Post Code: EX19 8BL WhatThreeWords: playback.skidding.withdraw

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  • WE’RE BACK ON THE HIGH SEAS IN MARCH

    WE’RE BACK ON THE HIGH SEAS IN MARCH

    With invitations and bookings for 2024 coming in thick and fast, here is an up to date list of our comittments so far. For festivals please check our Facebook page for latest details of venues and timings.

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  • MARINERS AWAY – singing to help raise funds for All Saints Church, Okehampton

    MARINERS AWAY – singing to help raise funds for All Saints Church, Okehampton

    We are delighted to announce that our first appearance of 2024 will be at All Saints Church, Okehampton from 7pm on Friday 15th March as we help to raise much-needed funds towards various church appeals Tickets £15 INCLUDE a Buffet Supper, booking adviseable. Paybar. TO BOOK email mishflexman@gmail.com All Saints Church, Church Path, Okehampton EX20…

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  • MARINERS AWAY & FRIENDS RAISE  MAGNIFICENT £2500 FOR RD&E CHARITIES

    MARINERS AWAY & FRIENDS RAISE MAGNIFICENT £2500 FOR RD&E CHARITIES

    MARINERS AWAY & FRIENDS RAISE MAGNIFICENT £2500 FOR RD&E CHARITIES

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  • BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR 2024

    BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR 2024

    To discuss Mariners Away performing at your special event or celebration then please contact Steve Mathewson on 01837 840465 or email him at smathewson@btinternet.com To find out where we are already performing in 2024 see Upcoming Performances. To see Mariners Away in action, please visit our dedicated YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@marinersaway9093 and select ‘Playlists‘ to view…

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  • Our LIVE appearance on BBC Spotlight – BEHIND THE SCENES

    Our LIVE appearance on BBC Spotlight – BEHIND THE SCENES

    Mariners Away appeared live on BBC Spotlight on Monday, 9th October to promote our fund-raising concert in aid of Royal Devon & Exeter hospital charities and were privileged to ‘sing the programme out’ with a shortened version of one of our performance numbers, Randy Dandy. The fund-raising concert organised by Mariners Away was held at…

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Archives

Browse the news archives to see what Mariners Away has been up to: