A celebration of the music and songs of Pembrokeshire's seafaring heritage will be held at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Milford Haven on Friday, March 16. The 'Masts and Yards' evening of nautical music and salty singing hopes to attract everyone with an interest in the songs and music of our seagoing past. It is hoped the evening will bring together all those who enjoy performing sea songs and shanties and who want to continue meeting to enjoy performing this music. If the event proves popular, further sessions of 'salty singing' will be organised at other venues in the county. Introducing the evening will be Gary Jones, of Fishguard Folk Festival. "Everyone who enjoys singing or listening to these songs will be welcome and especially those who can bring along some songs they know from working on fishing boats or in the navy," he said. There will also be a prize of a bottle of Pusser's Rum for the most 'extraordinary sea song performed on the night'. Gary added: "This leaves it very much open to interpretation; whether it is a good song poorly performed or a good performance of an ordinary song or indeed it could be a risqué song or an ancient ballad." During 2007, several traditional Tall Ships are expected to visit the Milford Haven Waterway. Richard James, of Celtic Maritime Connections, said: "Visits by these spectacular sailing ships are always great events for the waterway and it will be a terrific opportunity if we can also celebrate their visits with singing sessions both at the quayside and in local venues." The evening, which starts at 8 pm, is being organised as part of PLANED's Experience Pembrokeshire Project, which aims to encourage communities to celebrate their heritage and culture, and in partnership with Celtic Maritime Connections, a European Project hosted by the Milford Haven Port Authority. For more information contact Merrill Mabey at Planed on (01834) 862112 or Richard James at the Port Authority on 01646 696371.
