Wellman Shanty project – Call out for male voices

Some curious things emerged from our various ‘lockdowns’ – and one of the most amazing things is the revival of the sea shanty. The popularity of Wellerman by Nathan Evans has re-ignited interest in this song form, and sparked the Wellman project for the male singers of Hull.

Whether you are part of Hull’s maritime connection or not – we hope you’ll hear the call of the shanty and join in with the next phase of this fun project to celebrate the sea in song.

A group of male singers from Freedom Chorus have worked on a set of songs, and performed their debut on 5 September. If you are a man wanting to sing, you are invited to join this group of like-minded lads to learn and sing these sea songs together. You’ll get online learning recordings to support your learning, so you can sing along at home, and you are invited to join live rehearsals to develop a repertoire of sea songs, from special arrangements of the Wellerman and Drunken Sailor, to our very own newly written Shanty for Hull*. So, roll your old chariot along to rehearsals and join in the fun.

In this second phase of our Wellman Shanty project, the core group of men singers from the Freedom Chorus welcome you over the next few weeks to develop a performance alongside members of Hull’s signing choir – Hull Visual Choir. This project is organised by Arts Development, Hull City Council, under the musical leadership of local singing leader Laurence Rugg.

If you are interested, please email: clare.drury@hullcc.gov.uk with a simple line with your name and ‘Wellman Shanty Yes’ to opt in to this project and be part of a celebration of Hull’s Maritime connections.

No experience necessary – no need to read music. All songs are taught by ear. Please make sure you are available to attend rehearsals on: Tuesday 12 October (7pm)Saturday 16 October (3pm) Tuesday 19 October (7pm) and Fri 22 October (7pm)Join in with our City Centre lunchtime performances on Sat 23 October (between 12 noon and 3pm)* Shanty for Hull is a specially written shanty song with lyrics by local poet Cassandra Parkin and music by Laurence Rugg. Created for exclusive use by the Wellman Shanty group, it celebrates the maritime connections of the City from it’s early beginnings right up to date. Please reply via email with ‘shanty yes’ and your name to opt into this project – further details of rehearsals will follow.