Hoy Shantymen

The Hoy Shanty Crew are a spirited group from Westcliff‑on‑Sea, Essex, known for their rousing, good‑humoured performances of traditional sea songs. Formed in 2014 out of The Hoy at Anchor Folk Club, they’ve built a loyal following with their energetic, unpolished acapella style and strong chorus singing.

Influenced by founder member and songwriter Jack Forbes, the crew mix classic shanties with original material and perform at festivals, maritime events, and community gatherings across the UK. Their focus remains simple: keeping the tradition of sea songs alive through camaraderie, heritage, and shared singing.