Yes, Liverpool used to have a great Maritime/ Shanty festival, with scores of restored/ reproduction tall ships in harbour, which the public could go on board, talks on life abourd ship, demonstrations of knot-tying, ships in bottles, all sorts of things based around Liverpool's traditions as a maritime centre. Plus shanties and maritime music in authentic settings aboard ship. It appears the council has decided that isn't 'cool' anymore and they've dropped the funding.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Arabic Arts festival will be great and I wouldn't want to stop it. As you say, lots of people will be putting lots of work into making it happen, and I don't decry that at all. I'm sure everyone there will have a great time. But there are also many people in Liverpool who could, would and have put equal effort into shanty festivals in the past, but who no longer are supported to do so. It's just sad.