Fisherman's Friends to hold their own festival

Fisherman's Friends are set to stage their own festival next year - as their popularity now makes it impossible for them to perform in their home village in Cornwall.

The Cornish folk group has announced plans to host the first Fisherman's Friends Festival in May 2026.

The sea shanty band from Port Isaac, who have been performing together since 1995, can no longer perform in the village as "too many people turn up for it to be safe".

But, having previously played the main stage at Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall, they said a festival seemed "like a natural progression" for them.

A spokesman for the band said: "The guys are no longer able to perform on The Platt in Port Isaac because of health and safety - too many people turn up - and every show they headline in their home county sells out really fast.

"Creating their own festival seems like a good way to give people an authentic taste of the authentic FF vibe, while showcasing the Cornwall they love."

Fisherman's Friends went from singing in their local pub to having a top 10 UK album, a movie made about them and also a musical.

Band member Jon Cleave said it would be a "brand new festival down in the very heart of our wondrous county at Stithians, in what promises to be a Cornish occasion for all friends you've known for years and for all those you've yet to meet."

Jools Holland OBE and his 20 piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will perform as well as Mercury Prize winner Kate Rusby, Celtic band Skipinnish and others.

Attendees will be able to camp and enjoy local foods, drinks and crafts.

The festival will take place at the Stithians Showground on Friday 22 until Sunday 24 May 2026.

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