NEW Quay-based shanty group Three Sheets to the Wind will be singing up a storm at The New Inn, Brynhoffnant on Saturday, August 3 from 3pm, to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance - outside if the fine weather continues, inside if not.

Whatever the weather, there is no entrance fee, and audience participation is positively encouraged. So whether you prefer to sit and listen over a drink or some food, or whether you leap at the chance to join in, you will be heartily welcome.

If you like to sing, and live nearby, you would also be very welcome to join the group for weekly practice sessions at the Penrhiwllan Inn, Church Road, New Quay from 7.30pm-9.30pm on Thursday evenings throughout the year. And you could join future summer gigs in aid of charity.

More men’s voices would be a particular boon. You don’t have to read music - tunes are taught by ear at Thursday practices. But printed words are available so you don’t have to learn those unless you want to.

You can sing a solo if it takes your fancy. But if you prefer, it is fine just to join in the chorus - usually some 20 or more singers You don’t have to do gigs if you don’t want to, though the more people who do, the better. since raising money for charity is one of Three Sheets to the Wind’s primary aims. The other though is simply is to have fun singing together without pressure.

The group is accompanied by local musicians on a variety of instruments depending on who is available. They mainly perform sea shanties, with a leavening of work songs such as “The Jovial Collier” and folk songs in English and Welsh.

They also have some new songs written for them including “The Call to Sea”, a tribute to the volunteers of the New Quay Lifeboat with words by group member, Karen Watkins.

Three Sheets to the Wind was set up in autumn 2017. In 2018, their first full year, they raised £6,000 for various charities. Gigs so far this year at the Moody Cow, Woodlands Park, Aberaeron Yacht Club and the Aberaeron Seafood Festival have raised money for the Wales Air Ambulance, Epilepsy UK and the RNLI.

There are three events planned for the holiday period, including the event at the New Inn Brynhoffnant on August 3. On the following Saturday, August 10, the group will perform at the Live Lounge, Quay West, New Quay in aid of the RNLI. Singing starts at 7pm, no entrance fee.

On Tuesday, August 27, Three Sheets to the Wind will give a concert at Llanina Church (the Church in the Woods) starting at 6.30pm. Tickets will be £5 on the door and all proceeds will go to the fight against secondary breast cancer.

Anyone interested in joining the group can turn up at one of the Thursday practices in the Penrhiwllan Inn, Church Road, New Quay o go along to a gig and make contact. Alternatively, call the group’s founder and leader, Larraine on 01545 580630.