The Albany International Folk ‘n Shanty Festival’s annual tug of war drew an enthusiastic crowd to the Albany Boatshed on Sunday morning to start off the final day of the festival weekend in style.
Teams took to the beach below the boatshed to battle it out on the tug of war rope, and the area was packed with supporters and spectators despite the showers that made the occasional appearance throughout the morning.
The event opened the last of three days of shanty-singing and music around Albany and raises funds for the Telethon Kids’ Health Institute.
The online fundraiser has so far raised more than $500, with the cash donations from the day yet to be officially counted.
Esperance crew the South Sea Shantymen took on hometown favourites the Albany Shantymen and the Albany teams pulled out all the stops to take home the win over the visitors, even getting drummer John Henderson down on the sand to keep the beat.
Albany Roller Derby recovered from a hard loss in last year’s competition, taking home the win over the Roaring Wenches.
Local shanty group the Albany Mutineers organised the event again this year and Melaney Goodall could be seen on the beach all morning in full pirate garb, making sure everything was ship-shape and running smoothly.
“We had a great crowd as usual, people love watching the tug of war and this year was no exception, there were plenty of people down there on the beach watching and cheering them on,” Ms Goodall said.
“The festival is such a huge weekend, so the tug of war is just such a great way to get everyone together and having a bit of fun, letting their hair down and having a laugh, and doing it for a good cause as well.
“There are so many local groups, the emergency services, the Albany Roller Derby, the Albany Pipe Band, and of course the shanty groups, who support the event and the festival year after year and we’re so grateful that they do.”
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