An evening of sea shanties in Sunderland to support the RNLI

The RNLI is inviting the public to enjoy an evening of sea shanties and community spirit when The Auckland Shanty Singers perform a fundraising concert at Sunderland Yacht Club. The event, running from 7pm to 9pm at the yacht club on Old North Pier, Roker, will raise funds to help keep Sunderland’s RNLI lifeboats rescue-ready.

The Auckland Shanty Singers will perform two lively 45-minute sets of traditional sea shanties. A charity raffle will also take place during the evening to raise additional funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

During the event, the group will present a cheque for £942.39, funds they have already raised in support of the RNLI and its lifesaving work.

Guests will also be able to support the RNLI through Betty’s 5p Pots, the charity’s long-running initiative which shows how even small donations can make a big difference in helping save lives at sea.

David Hastings, Honorary Secretary of the Durham Branch RNLI, said: ‘The Auckland Shanty Singers’ dedication to supporting the RNLI is truly inspiring. Their performances are full of energy and fun, and this event will give people the chance to enjoy great music while helping our crews continue their vital lifesaving work.’

The event is free to attend and open to all, with donations encouraged.

• Sunderland RNLI celebrated its 225th anniversary in 2025, having been established in 1800. It was officially adopted by RNLI in 1865.
• Betty’s 5p Pots is an RNLI fundraising initiative encouraging supporters to collect small change to help fund lifesaving equipment and training.

RNLI Picture caption
The photograph shows members of The Auckland Shanty Singers performing in support of the RNLI. Please credit: The Auckland Shanty Singers.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Claire Louise Bird, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station at [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.