In Liverpool, the Mersey Shanty Festival didn't run last year because (I think) of the 'big dig'. This year the powers that be are putting no money into shanties/sea songs during the city's 800th birthday celebrations and the same seems likely (not) to happen next year when we're the so-called Capital of Culture.

I know Jack Coutts id trying to do something about it; I and many others more illustrious have offered help, but I'm not optimistic.

Steve