Manchester Collective & Sean Shibe: Sea Shanties

A deep dive into musical sea lore. Just you and your crew alone, against the unforgiving force of the open sea.

If you want to survive, you must band together and get to work, fast. And there’s no quicker way of building camaraderie than through song. The rhythm is what binds you.

That’s where sea shanties come in. A centuries-old folk tradition at the heart of maritime culture.

Join two of our groundbreaking Resident Artists on this quest: radical ensemble Manchester Collective with Sean Shibe, a master of the guitar in its various guises across the ages, from acoustic to electric.

There’s no one better to join the dots between the sea shanty’s rich history and its TikTok success than Ben Nobuto.

The British/Japanese composer brings a whirlwind of avant-garde, contemporary classical and video game sounds, playfully reflecting our fragmented lives.

Ben Nobuto’s new work is co-commissioned by Manchester Collective and the Southbank Centre

Manchester Collective is a Southbank Centre Resident Artist for Classical Music: Spring/Summer 2026.

The ticket price includes a £2 venue restoration levy.