10th International Shanty Choir Festival
International Shanty Choirs on Floating Stages at Bontekai
About Shanty Choir Festival WHV
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Shanty Singing at Wilhelmshaven's Bontekai
Shanties are the traditional work songs of sailors from the age of tall ships. They were sung in rhythm with the hard work on board – when hoisting the anchor, setting the sails, pumping. Today, they are preserved as musical heritage by shanty choirs. The International Shanty Choir Festival in Wilhelmshaven is one of the most important gatherings of these choirs in the German-speaking world.
Floating Stages – The Special Staging
What makes the Wilhelmshaven festival special is its staging: floating stages are erected on naval tugboats from which the choirs sing. This merges music, the harbor backdrop, and maritime roots into an unmistakable experience. The audience sits at Bontekai, looking out over the water, listening to songs that have been sung by sailors for centuries – a form of performance that is only possible in Wilhelmshaven.
International Choirs and Labskaus
The participating choirs come from different countries, each bringing their own tradition. English Sea Shanties, Dutch Zeemansliederen, German and Scandinavian repertoires provide a comprehensive overview of Europe's maritime choir landscape. A culinary highlight is Labskaus – the traditional sailor's dish, served directly from the naval kitchen. Bratwurst, draft beer, and non-alcoholic drinks complement the gastronomic offerings. Admission is free.
Shanty Choir Festival WHV — edition 2026
10th Edition
The 10th edition marks the anniversary of this special festival. The floating stages are the hallmark that distinguishes the Wilhelmshaven festival from other shanty gatherings.
Connected to the Sailing Cup
The temporal connection with the Wilhelmshaven Sailing Cup lends a special maritime density to the day. While the last ships are being viewed in the main harbor, the choirs will be singing from Bontekai.
Programme Shanty Choir Festival WHV 2026
2026 Program
The exact program for 2026 – choir performance times, stage order – will be published by the organizer. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:
- Morning — Opening at Bontekai, first choirs on the floating stages
- Midday — Serving of Labskaus from the naval kitchen, more choirs
- Afternoon — Performances by international guest choirs (English, Dutch, Scandinavian)
- Evening — Joint finale with all choirs, audience participation
- Food and Drink: Labskaus, Bratwurst, Beer, non-alcoholic drinks
- Parallel: Wilhelmshaven Sailing Cup with free ship tours
Free admission.
Highlights Shanty Choir Festival WHV 2026
- 10th Anniversary Edition
- Floating stages on naval tugboats
- International shanty choirs from several countries
- Labskaus from the naval kitchen
Prices Shanty Choir Festival WHV 2026
Practical information — Shanty Choir Festival WHV
Getting There
Bontekai is centrally located at Wilhelmshaven's Großer Hafen (main harbor), within walking distance of the main train station. Arrive via the A 29 motorway. Parking is signposted in the harbor vicinity.
On Site
The festival takes place predominantly outdoors. Weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Seating areas are available along Bontekai.
Food and Drink
Labskaus from the naval kitchen, Bratwurst, fries, draft beer, non-alcoholic drinks. Maritime specialties at various stalls.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Shanty Choir Festival WHV al mejor precio.
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