The sound of sea shanties, lively Irish tunes and occasional hearty “yo-ho-ho” echoed through Albany’s streets as thousands of people transformed the CBD into a giant singalong at the weekend.

From Friday to Sunday, the 2026 International Folk ‘n’ Shanty Festival turned the city into a celebration of maritime music, with performers spilling from pubs and halls while crowds followed the music from venue to venue.

This year’s Irish-themed festival drew visitors from across the State, with ticketed performances at the Albany Town Hall sold out and pubs across the city packed for live performances.

Shanty groups from around WA travelled to the Great Southern to perform, bring centuries-old seafaring songs to folk music and Celtic tunes to entertain Albany crowds.

The annual event has become one of Albany’s signature winter festivals, drawing thousands of visitors while celebrating the city’s rich maritime heritage through music, spirit and storytelling.