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. We’re a bunch of good mates who love singing with a sprinkle of harmony and a good chorus. We perform throughout the year generally at events in Devon, Cornwall or Dorset but occasionally even further afield too.

Our music draws on maritime and folk traditions, but we’re not precious about it. We sing for enjoyment, for atmosphere, and for the people in front of us

If you like songs with stories, plenty of character and the occasional grin along the way, you’ll feel right at home with Mariners Away.

Over recent years, Mariners Away have performed at a wide and wonderfully varied range of events. Our appearances include shanty and folk festivals, beer and cider festivals, wassails, coronation celebrations, birthday parties, weddings and more reflective occasions, as well as WI Christmas gatherings and performances on RD&E hospital wards.

We have had the unique honour of appearing on BBC Spotlight, serenading viewers as the South West regional broadcast handed back to the national network — a memorable moment for both the group and the audience at home.

Along the way, we have provided pre-match entertainment at Exeter Chiefs, we were also proud to sing aboard the relaunch of SV Britannia, the historic fishing smack now berthed at Exeter Quay as she undergoes her final restoration.

In December 2024 we were highly privileged to perform at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in celebration of the first year officers’ graduation.

2025 brought with it a number of memorable performances. We once again had the pleasure of appearing on one of the main stages at the Falmouth International Shanty Festival, and a torrential July afternoon at Clovelly Maritime Festival did nothing to dampen our spirits. We’re very much looking forward to returning to that picturesque and unique private Devon village in July this year.

The highlight of the year was a joint Shanty Shenanigans charity concert in October with our hugely talented friends Pirates of St Piran. The event raised much-needed funds towards repairs to the roof of Boyton Methodist Chapel near Launceston, making it a truly special and rewarding evening. Open video on a new page/tab