THE final line-up for the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival has been announced as the event draws near.

Organisers of this year's Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival have released the confirmed list of groups appearing at what will be the biggest ever in the town.

Now in its 16th year, the 66 groups from all over Europe and the UK will combine to provide more than 300 hours of free entertainment for all ages and interests.

Among the highlights will be Fisherman's Friends – who featured in a hit film released earlier this year – as well as well-known groups such as Falmouth Shout and The Oggymen.

As reported previously in the Packet, there will be four main stages for the first time.

Three of them will be, as per previous festivals, at the Seven Stars on The Moor, Events Square and Custom House Quay.

New this year will be the Falmouth Packet Stage on Prince of Wales Pier, as the newspaper strengthens its ties with the event.

There will also be more than 20 other venues where festivalgoers can enjoy the diverse talent on offer from the performers who have all give up their time to benefit the festival and the Falmouth Lifeboat, to which funds raised over the weekend – June 14 to 16 – will be donated.

One of the organisers, John Warren, said: "A huge amount of work goes into assuring that the festival is delivered which Falmouth can be proud of and which the audiences will remember for a very long time.

"We are, as always, hugely indebted to all our sponsors and supporters, without whom this incredible event would not be possible.

"It was estimated that around 60,000 people attended last year's festival and we are confident that we could exceed that figure this year."

The only ticketed performance will again be the Falmouth Packet Shanty Concert, held this year at The Poly.

Tickets are selling well, organisers said, and the advice is book now to avoid missing out.

Official festival merchandise, including the commemorative double CD, will be available from the Cornish Store in Arwenack Street from May 10.

For more information and to see the full list of groups visit www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk