It's hard to believe but Liverpool Council - which supported the excellent Mersey Shanty Festival for 9 years - has refused funding for the performance of shanties and sea songs as part of the city's 800th anniversary celebrations this year. There is every indication that the same will happen next year when Liverpool, surely the spiritual home of shanties, will be the European Capital of Culture.

The decision is all the more baffling considering the variety of events which have been supported - see here and here.

A blog has been set up here to provide information and display comments from. Contributions would be very welcome, either on this forum or by email.

Jack