International Sea Song Festival Shanties 2025

‘For the sea is my home today’ – everyone whom voyages near and far give a sense of freedom can identify with these words. The lyrics of the song by the Ryczące Dwudziestki band will also accompany the 44th edition of the International Sea Song Festival Shanties. The shanty festival will start with an intimate concert featuring Polish solo singers and bards in the studio of Radio Kraków. The main festival stage at the Kijów Cinema will host anniversary concerts by Mechanicy Shanty, Zejman i Garkumpel and Cztery Refy bands. Within the ‘Sikorki’ program, we will look at the artistic output of Janusz Sikorski – the founder of legendary band Stare Dzwony, and a concert dedicated to Andrzej 'Qni' Grzela will be a story about the joy of life, crossing the boundaries and the courage to make dreams come true. An obligatory highlight of the program is ‘Shanty near the City Hall’ on the Main Market Square. This year it will feature Zawisza Czarny and Majtki Prezesa choirs and the British band The Jack Tars. We also recommend two mid-morning concerts for children led by Klang and Zejman i Garkumpel bands. In addition, the organisers have prepared a sailing fair, exhibitions of photographs and marine paintings, and invariably popular night shanty and folk jam sessions at the Stary Port tavern. (Bartosz Suchecki, Karnet)