Thousands descended on Harwich seafront for the town’s 12th annual Sea Shanty festival today.

East Anglian Daily Times:

The event saw singing groups from all over the world belt out seafaring songs for the delighted crowds alongside battle reenactments, dancing and a host of delicious food.

East Anglian Daily Times: Rogues Shanty Chorus perform at the pier in HarwichRogues Shanty Chorus perform at the pier in Harwich

Jon Fitzgerald, who organises the event with his wife Pam, said this year’s festival had been a huge success.

East Anglian Daily Times: Spectators at Harwich Sea Shanty Festival on Saturday PICTURE:SEANA HUGHESSpectators at Harwich Sea Shanty Festival on Saturday PICTURE:SEANA HUGHES

“It has been manic,” he said, “the seafront was packed and all the pubs were heaving.

East Anglian Daily Times: Harwich Shanty Festival on Saturday PICTURE:SEANA HUGHESHarwich Shanty Festival on Saturday PICTURE:SEANA HUGHES

“People came from all over to sing at the festival - we had an Italian group, a Spanish group, a Dutch group.

East Anglian Daily Times: Rogues Shanty Chorus perform PICTURE:SEANA HUGHESRogues Shanty Chorus perform PICTURE:SEANA HUGHES

“We even had one guy who had come all the way from America.

East Anglian Daily Times: Singers take a break at the Pier in Harwich for the Shanty FestivalSingers take a break at the Pier in Harwich for the Shanty Festival

“As the event has got bigger, people have come to us wanting to sing.

East Anglian Daily Times: David Heath and Klay Connolly at the Quay in Harwich Picture : Seana HughesDavid Heath and Klay Connolly at the Quay in Harwich Picture : Seana Hughes

“It is on the calender as one of the town’s big maritime events.

East Anglian Daily Times: Innner State perform at the Redoubt Fort Picture : seana hughesInnner State perform at the Redoubt Fort Picture : seana hughes

“It has been very successful, it gets better every year.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Mike Smylie with his smoked herrings at the Redoubt Fort PICTURE:SEANA HUGHESMike Smylie with his smoked herrings at the Redoubt Fort PICTURE:SEANA HUGHES

Mr Fitzgerald said they are looking at extending next year’s festival to three days.

East Anglian Daily Times: DOM DM at Harwich Station on SaturdayDOM DM at Harwich Station on Saturday

East Anglian Daily Times: Alanna and Martha Harty in Harwich PICTURE : SEANA HUGHESAlanna and Martha Harty in Harwich PICTURE : SEANA HUGHES