Building upon our desire to continue to improve on the success of the Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival, in 2023 we were very proud to present what was undoubtedly one of our most popular musical line ups to date plus everyone got to perform in glorious sunshine! So for our 15th year in 2024 we are welcoming back some old favourites and some new local talent.
We really do have something for everyone as we feature Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Funk, Shanty, Ska, Vocal Harmonies a helping of Galic abandonment and more Ukelele’s than you can count.
And all this for FREE!
Saturday 31st August
Music starts at 1230 Curfew 2200
The Fullabrook Stage & The TDK Stage
Ropery Road
Having now made the festival opening slot their own we welcome back the awesome Ukulele Orchestra of North Devon.
We have seen their set list and it is going to make you smile and get you all singing.
Check out their Facebook page HERE
We are an acoustic duo based in Northern Devon and we’re really excited about playing our own style of acoustic covers for you all!Our own music tastes are eclectic, which is reflected in our set list which covers a huge range of styles and influences but hopefully means that we have something for everyone!The Greater Good (and bonus points to anyone who gets the reference!), comprises of Dave Stacey on Guitar and Charmain Lovett on vocals.Dave has been playing guitar since he was 15 and attended the ACM when he was 18. This led to him playing with the likes of Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Reef, Skunk Anansie and a couple of appearances on TOTP.Since then he played for a wide variety of bands and groups across the country at various festivals and events, including playing at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.Charmain is nowhere near as cool as Dave and hasn’t played with a member of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, but she did once have Grammy Award winning Joss Stone as a backing singer and will dine out on that story for as long as is necessary.Charmain has been singing with function bands since the age of 17 and locally will be most known for being a part of the Make Me Smile Band and Sonic Fusion and although she doesn’t have any music qualifications, she did get a gold star for playing Little Donkey on the recorder particularly well at the age of 8.
After a fantastic crowd pleasing set last year we are chuffed that the The Greater Good are back for 2023
Check them out on Facebook – Instagram or on the Greater Good website.
This very entertaining 3 piece who all sing, play guitar, cajon and bass, are a new addition to this year’s festival but their varied range of sounds means they are very popular locally and they will be putting on a great show.
Click to follow the Wyldwoods on Facebook
One of the stalwarts of the Festival we welcome back Anchors Aweigh. A sea shanty band based in Woolacombe and Mortehoe in North Devon. They are a non profit band raising money for local charities.
Follow Anchors Aweigh on Facebook
More details to follow, all we can say for now is that this is International Jazz of the very highest level.
Follow The Press Gang on Facebook
Ever popular and back to close out the Saturday night at the 2024 Festival, this 6 piece Ska/Reggae tribute band never fail to fill the dancefloor.
Bring your dancing shoes!
Check them out on Facebook
Sunday 1st September
Music starts at 1200 Curfew 1800
The Fullabrook Stage & The TDK Stage
Ropery Road
A very popular local covers band who are appearing at the festival for the first time. We had lots of requests for this band so here they are so make sure you get down here early on Sunday so you don’t miss out!
Check them out on Facebook – HERE
Follow The Press Gang on Facebook
Local voices and harmonies from a group who are being heard more and more in and around Ilfracombe. A relaxing chilled vibe, perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
Check them out on Facebook – HERE
Alternative French fusion with a drizzle of Gallic cool and a whiff of bohemian funk – What’s not to like ? Gypfunk are one of the highlights of the festival and their crowd will be pulling off some fantastic dance moves again! Not seen them, check out the Sea Ilfracombe Facebook page for past videos plus check out Gypfunk on their own Facebook page – HERE
Originally formed in the 1970’s Basil’s Ball Up Band are a South West staple and we are so chuffed to have them back closing out the 2024 Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival.
As with all things “live” artists and timings are subject to change, so on the day please keep an eye out for any updates that will be announced on the festival site as necessary.
Rewind to 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019 and 2018!
2023 saw the two stage set up continue, and we were blessed with glorious sunshine. There was much dancing, especially from the younger crowd who were loving being right in front of the stage doing their thing.
2022 saw the two stage set up continue, which despite a few showers continued to be a success. The shanty tones of Anchors Aweigh and Press Gang were very well received with the return of Gypfunk and a festival 1st appearance from The Greater Good getting people up and dancing. Both Basils Blues Band and The Nomads packed the front of stage with fantastic performances ensuring everyone went home happy.
2021 saw a change in the stage set up as things were moved from within the huge marquee to our twin outdoor staging, less time between band changes equaled more music! Again a great mix of music with Gypfunk on the Sunday bringing a huge smile to eveyone’s faces after having been truly woken up by some hard rock courtesy of Highway.
2019 featued the ever popular sea shanty bands (before they even became a worldwide phenomenon) but an eclectic mix of magical acts saw The Rivals, Such & Vincent, Samba and Sonic Fusion play awesome sets to a marquee full of happy dancing festival-goers of all ages
2018 saw not only the return of the popular sea shanty bands but an eclectic mix ranging from blues, rock, folk, popular acoustic, pop, rock & roll, soul, jazz funk and ska.
Saturday night l2018 saw The Liquidators play to a packed marquee of ska fans whilst folk rock duo Sound of the Sirens closed the festival with an amazing set on Sunday evening.
Sound of the Sirens Live @ Sea Ilfracombe 2018
