Ahhhh - I understand now. Guest (Hater of shanties, Lancastrian) has given the game away with his last nom de plume - Mr Blobby. He is non other than Noel Edmunds! Sorry your fun fair at Morcombe went bust Noel but that's no reason to take it out on the Maritime festival. OK, ok, I know if Lancaster council had more to spend they may have bailed you out but it's too late now. Let it go man!

BTW - I partly agree with your original sentiments about harmonies. I once saw a review of an album by one of our local bands, Jolly Jack. They were not, despite the name, a shanty band although they included shanties in their repetoire. They were a bunch of brilliant musicians and fabulous harmony singers. The review was by a member of a well know 'shanty crew' who slated it as being an incorrect and inaccurate portrayal of shanties. I then had the misfortune to listen to an album by this guys band. It was a dire, boring album. Fortunately I was reviewing it for a local folk magazine. Guess how the review turned out? ;-)

Back on tack (nautical term intended). I was there on Good Friday in my alter ego, Hector from the Abram pace egg play. Thoroughly enjoyed it as usual. Got kidnapped by the press gang. Felt sorry for the young man our lot held hostage for my return. He was returned covered in black face paint and mustard! If anyone knows him tell him it did wash out of my hanky!

Cheers

DtG