The Causeway Shantymen to Host Maritime Shanty Weekend Across North Coast and Belfast

Northern Ireland's only all-male sea shanty group, The Causeway Shantymen, will host a special Shanty Weekend this summer, celebrating maritime heritage, traditional music and the RNLI's 25 years of lifeguarding.

Taking place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026, the event will feature sea shanty performances, maritime storytelling and traditional boat-building displays at locations across the North Coast and Belfast, while also helping to raise awareness and funds for the RNLI.

The Causeway Shantymen serve as Water Safety Ambassadors for the RNLI and are using the weekend to mark a significant milestone for the charity. This year marks 25 years since the RNLI launched its lifeguard service, which has played a vital role in keeping beachgoers safe around the coastline.

Joining The Causeway Shantymen for the celebrations will be fellow sea shanty groups The Buoys of Ballisodare from County Sligo and The Selkies from Portaferry, County Down, bringing together a weekend of music, storytelling and maritime culture.

Michael Jess, Lifeguard Supervisor at the RNLI, said the anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise the dedication of lifeguards who work tirelessly to keep people safe around the coast.

"It is important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all RNLI lifeguards.

"Some of our team have been working on the same beach for over 10 years. Around 95% of a lifeguard's work is prevention. They keep beachgoers safe by educating them about water safety and helping them spot dangers before accidents happen.

"If you are planning a visit to the coast this summer, please remember to visit an RNLI lifeguarded beach."

The weekend begins at Portstewart Harbour on Saturday 25 July from 3pm to 4.30pm as part of the Red Sails Festival before moving to Portrush Yacht Club later that evening from 7pm until 10pm.

Commodore Beni McAllister of Portrush Yacht Club said the club was delighted to host part of the programme.

"Portrush Yacht Club has a long and proud connection with the sea, making this a wonderful event for the club to support.

"We are delighted to welcome The Causeway Shantymen and their guests to Portrush Yacht Club and to support the RNLI as it marks 25 years of lifeguarding.

"We look forward to what promises to be a fantastic evening celebrating music, heritage and our shared connection to the sea."

On Sunday 26 July, the event moves to Belfast's Maritime Mile, with performances taking place at the iconic Titanic Slipways and alongside the SS Nomadic from 12.45pm until 1.45pm as part of the opening of Belfast TradFest.

The celebrations will conclude later that afternoon in Belfast's historic Commercial Court and Cathedral Quarter cultural district from 3pm to 5pm, providing a maritime-themed prelude to the All-Ireland Fleadh, which takes place in the city from 2 to 9 August.

Willie Jack MBE, proprietor of the Duke of York and Harp Bar in Belfast, who is personally funding the Belfast afternoon element of the weekend, said he was delighted to support the initiative.

"Sea shanties are all about community, friendship and storytelling, and Belfast is the perfect place to celebrate that tradition.

"We are proud to support an event that not only celebrates our maritime roots but also shines a light on the incredible work carried out by the RNLI every day. If we can raise awareness, raise some funds and give people a great weekend of entertainment at the same time, then that's a fantastic result.

"Belfast has a rich maritime history, and I hope people will come along, enjoy the atmosphere and help make this a memorable weekend for everyone involved."

Chris Millar, Chair and Musical Director of The Causeway Shantymen, said the weekend has been organised to celebrate sea shanty culture while supporting an important safety message.

"This festival has been coordinated to showcase the breadth of shanty music represented by the groups taking part and to bring a taste of the camaraderie and craic that we all find through this music to our audiences.

"Highlighting the vital work of the RNLI's lifeguarding team during this special 25th anniversary year is especially important as we sail into the busy holiday season.

"The Causeway Shantymen will continue to share the RNLI's Float to Live message at our performances while bringing sea shanty fun, maritime heritage and plenty of entertainment to audiences throughout the weekend."

Members of the public are encouraged to come along and enjoy a unique celebration of music, maritime heritage and community spirit while supporting the RNLI as it marks 25 years of lifeguarding.