Yes the singing at Lancaster has always been good - but that is only because many of the visitors to the town are good singers. In general I have found the townsfolk either oblivoius to the 'festival' or unhappy that their pub has been taken over by strangers. The hotels in the centre of the town except from the main venue are overpriced and largely unpleasant either noisy or dirty, one even took 50% deposit and then closed before the festival. Glasson Dock is the bleakest place that I have seen as a festival venue. In general at Easter Lancaster is closed - you would expect at least the music shop to be open on the Saturday - I have never found it so. I would suggest that if Maritime Enthusiasts want to gather at Easter then they could find a much more welcoming and accessible town than Lancaster, and may even be able to get funding for such a 'Heritage' event.
Where would you suggest?