More than a quarter of a century ago, a group of like minded chaps hit on the idea of singing sea shanties for fun. Despite it being a late night at the yacht club, most of us remembered the idea the day after and thus The Motley Crew was born.
Since then, we’ve sung at festivals, fetes, smack and barge matches, regattas, dinners, weddings, parties, shop openings and numerous other events.
Highlights include performing at the London Marathon, the Cutty Sark, the Colchester Oyster Feast, Brightlingsea's Blessing of the Waters and shanty festivals at Harwich, Brancaster and Leigh on Sea.
We've worked with the NHS twice. In 2021 we recorded a shanty promoting Covid vaccinations, performing the result live on BBC and ITV breakfast programmes. Our second collaboration, in 2025, urged people to get a flu jab.
We've supported lots of charities over the years, but our main charity is the RNLI (as most of us sail, we figure it's a good investment). We've raised nearly £50,000 for the RNLI and others.
Now with 13 crew members, we're busier than ever, entertaining audiences with our unique harmonies, wide repertoire and more than a little humour. We like to leave our audiences smiling!
If you'd like us to sing for you, click the button below to get in touch.
Join us in a delightful country setting for sea songs and more
TBA.
lIlfracombe Shanty Festival
June 27, 2026
10:00 am
Ilfracombe, Devon
We’re well sarf of the river here! A first for us at this brand new shanty festival – will there be dragons?
Brancaster Staithe Shanty Festival
September 12, 2026
Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk
On the road again to that there Norfolk for fun weekend of shanties and beer! Runs over from Friday evening, September 11, and over the weekend of September 12 & 13.
Coggeshall Concert
October 1, 2026
12:30 pm
Church Of St Peter Ad Vincula, Church Grn, Coggeshall, Colchester CO6 1UD
Pleased to be playing one of the church’s monthly fundraising concerts. Free entry – lunches on sale.
Shipwrecked Mariners fundraiser
October 3, 2026
7:00 pm
YMCA, Brightlingsea
Our third fundraiser for the Shipwrecked Mariners charity. Tickets £15 including choice of pizza. Bring your own drinks!
Little Boat Gifts, New Street, Brightlingsea or online at Ticketsource.
I was delighted when informed of the consistent fundraising the Motley Crew has done to raise vital funds for the RNLI. Thank you for your loyalty in helping the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea.
Jon Knight
Head of Community Engagement, RNLI
Speaking with our staff, they felt that the shanties really brought the ship to life. It goes without saying that you are welcome to come back and perform again in the future
Aaron Hewett
General Manager, Cutty Sark
I would just like to write to say thank you so much for organising a fundraising event for our Raise the Roof appeal. It is really touching when someone organises an independent event of their own volition, especially one that is so different.
Lia Smith
Secretary, Porridge & Pens
Just to say thank you to you and the ‘Crew’ for making our WI Centenary Evening such fun. Without exception every one said how much they had enjoyed the evening, such a great atmosphere!
Jo Barnes
Weeley WI
I’ve just paid good money for a CD of yours , and I want you to know that I’m appalled. I’m appalled that you haven’t yet got a golden disc – it’s absolutely brilliant! I do so love to hear you sing and I applaud your objective
