Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends have fulfilled a long-held dream of headlining their own show at London’s historic Royal Albert Hall.

Following in the footsteps of Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles and Adele, the group gave a rousing and emotional performance to a sell-out crowd of more than 5,000 on Tuesday, October 8 as part of their hugely successful Rock the Boat 2024 tour. 

The build-up to the highly anticipated concert has been captured on camera and released as part of the venue’s fly-on-the wall Backstage With documentary-style video series. It shares rare intimate moments behind the scenes including soundchecks, dressing-room laughs, pre-show warm-up and rituals, and the magical moment when the band steps out on stage to rapturous applause. 

Proud family and friends travelled up from Port Isaac and joined fans from across the UK to witness the group pull out all the stops and confirm their status as Cornwall’s best-loved musical exports.

A set of two halves saw the 10-strong Fishies ace their distinctive harmony-rich vocal interpretations of beloved traditional shanties and sea songs, as well as original compositions, embellished by rich and playful musical arrangements featuring accordion, guitar, banjo, mandolin and harmonica.

To cap it all, they were joined on stage by their children and grandchildren to sing Cornwall My Home.

Another emotional moment came when it was announced that this would be founder member Billy Hawkins’ last performance. For years, Billy hosted Fisherman’s Friends rehearsals at his Port Isaac pottery. He was overwhelmed when the crowd gave him a spontaneous standing ovation upon his retirement.

The London concert followed more than 30 sold-out dates including three at the Hall for Cornwall at the beginning of October. Proceeds from the Cornish charity matinee will benefit five causes close to their hearts: The Cove Macmillan Centre at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Children’s Hospice South West’s Little Harbour, Shelterbox, Brandon Trust and 4Louis. The total raised will be announced shortly.

A charity concert in August at Prideaux Place, near Padstow, raised a whopping £45,000 to support the RNLI in its 200th year.

The full video can be viewed on the Royal Albert Hall YouTube channel.