Fisherman's Friends are a folk music group from Port Isaac, a picturesque fishing village in Cornwall, England. They are best known for singing sea shanties, a genre deeply rooted in the maritime culture of the region. The group was founded in 1995 and comprises a changing roster of a dozen or so members, primarily fishermen and other locals who have kept the tradition alive.
They gained national prominence after signing a record deal in 2010, leading to the release of several albums. Their debut album, 'Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends,' was a hit and earned them a Top 10 spot in the UK Album Chart. The group has performed at esteemed events such as Glastonbury Festival and have been credited with a resurgence in the popularity of sea shanties.
A film titled 'Fisherman’s Friends' was released in 2019, chronicling their rise to fame. They have also won accolades, such as the Good Tradition Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
