Janine Beamish, Jodie Watkins and Flossy Fulton were full of shanty spirit. Credit: Laurie Benson
The sound of sea shanties, lively Irish tunes and occasional hearty “yo-ho-ho” echoed through Albany’s streets as thousands of people transformed the CBD into a giant singalong at the weekend.
From Friday to Sunday, the 2026 International Folk ‘n’ Shanty Festival turned the city into a celebration of maritime music, with performers spilling from pubs and halls while crowds followed the music from venue to venue.
This year’s Irish-themed festival drew visitors from across the State, with ticketed performances at the Albany Town Hall sold out and pubs across the city packed for live performances.
Shanty groups from around WA travelled to the Great Southern to perform, bring centuries-old seafaring songs to folk music and Celtic tunes to entertain Albany crowds.
The annual event has become one of Albany’s signature winter festivals, drawing thousands of visitors while celebrating the city’s rich maritime heritage through music, spirit and storytelling.
Ella and Lachy McGregor. Credit: Laurie BensonThe Lost Quays' performed with Fred Smith at Wilsons on Saturday afternoon. Credit: Laurie BensonWesley Church hosted Poets At Sea with local poets. Credit: Laurie BensonWesley Church hosted Poets At Sea with local poets Yann Toussaint, Lucy Dougan, Barbara Temperton and Aven Rain Ford. Credit: Laurie BensonAlbany Mutineers' Janine Beamish, Karen Campbell, Mel Goodall, Jodie Watkins and Trish Forsyth. Credit: Laurie Benson
Ryan Goodall and Sandra Ashby. Credit: Laurie BensonSuzanne Savery and David Theodore. Credit: Laurie BensonFred Smith performs with The Lost Quays. Credit: Laurie BensonJane and Steve Laws. Credit: Laurie BensonAnna Timmins, Linda Armstrong and Catherine Patterson. Credit: Laurie BensonTracy Ryan and Bruce Ryan. Credit: Laurie BensonShaun Langley, Michelle Henderson, Rebecca Lennox and Anne-Marie Woods. Credit: Laurie BensonAlbany Mutineers' Janine Beamish performs at The Earl Of Spencer Inn. Credit: Laurie BensonAlyssa Nixon-Lloyd and Jude Iddison. Credit: Laurie BensonTwo of the trio from Ragtones, Rod Vervest and Bill Lawrie. Credit: Laurie Benson
