It’s no secret that we love a good shanty here at Yorkshire Coast Gigs, and we’ve long been in admiration of the fine singing sensations, the Saltburn Smugglers – so we’re delighted to share some of their recent news and upcoming events.
On Friday, March 14th, the Saltburn Smugglers ventured to Pickering’s Kirk Theatre for a sold out show. The atmosphere was electric as the Smugglers took to the stage for their first sold-out show outside of Redcar & Cleveland. The Smugglers delivered their inimitable performance of classic and new shanties arranged in their own style. The set included many well-loved songs as well as newly composed songs of the sea. Professor of songwriting Keith Ayling, has penned two songs in the set as well as arranged and rewritten many others to make sure that the Smugglers are bringing something new to the genre.
But the star of the show was undoubtedly young 9 year old Artie who, as a member of Saltburn Children’s Shanty Choir, joined the Smugglers to sing on Mingulay Boat Song. The audience were captivated by this youngster and his courage to sing in front of a full house for the first time.
In their own style the Smugglers even encouraged the whole audience to join them in the second half as everyone became a three-part choir for the evening.
“It’s amazing when we hear everyone sing. Shanties are about community and getting the whole room to sing – that’s their origin – so it’s amazing when we can recreate that feeling with everyone.” says founder Keith Ayling.
On Saturday 15th March the Smugglers returned to their home of Saltburn to perform for the Valley of Light, an event by Stellar Creates that lights up the Valley Gardens in a riot of colour. The Smugglers performed in the valley and the sound of shanties travelled down the valley and out to the sea as hundreds of visitors walked through the park enchanted by light displays.
“In a way, this is how it must have been. The sound of sailors singing into the night as the boats returned home. The Saltburn Smugglers are proud to keep this tradition alive and encourage singing to a new generation.”
One of their next events includes a cruise aboard the Teeside Princess, pie and pea supper and Live gig. Mon 10th May, £29.95, Boarding At 6.30pm for a 7pm departure from Castlegate Quay Stockton: Limited tickets available now for this very special evening with the Smugglers: click here for tickets
