Oops! I forgot to mention the songwriting contest that's new this year.

From the Facebook event page:

The Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival will hold its first Maritime Song Writing Competition this year. We are excited to be adding this event to the program. We hope you will come and share your original maritime song and help expand the sea music tradition we all love.

Competition rules:

1. The song must have a maritime theme.

2. You must sing your own song from memory, either a cappella or with self-provided instrumental accompaniment.

3. Enter by emailing your name and address and the song's title to info@pmffest.org. Bring a copy of your lyrics to the venue on the day.

4. Because our time is strictly limited, the competition will be limited to the first 15 entrants. Each entrant will have a maximum of eight minutes. If slots are available on the day of the competition, walk-in competitors will be welcome. (Bring a copy of your lyrics.)

5. Entries will be judged on maritime themed lyrics, tune, and overall presentation.

6. The winner will be invited to sing the song at the Saturday evening concert.

Good luck !