From the deep, resonating notes of the father and son bass to the high notes of the girls, Barrett’s Privateers have delighted audiences throughout Cornwall and well beyond with their broad, rich harmonies.
Based on the Cornish side of the beautiful Tamar Valley, Barrett’s Privateers formed through the joy of acapella singing. Since forming in 2019, the group have been honoured to perform at a range of events from the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, to the highly acclaimed Rock Oyster Festival.
In 2022, Barrett’s Privateers recorded their debut album, Shed No Tears and were proud to represent Cornwall at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in August. A new favourite venue in 2023 and 2024, was Carnglaze, where the Caverns proved an incredible experience for both Barrett’s and the audience, and a new album, 1778, was recorded in April. They were also privileged in 2024, to be part of the Cornwall Air Ambulance #HELi2 Appeal where donated songs from Cornish groups on a compilation CD reached no. 11 in the compilation download charts.
Key highlights of 2025 were providing background music, taking part in a short film and entertaining crowds at the Royal Cornwall Show. Barrett’s Privateers also performed at Canterbury Festival of Music and Fine Arts to a sell-out audience.
Songs of the sea, shanties, traditional folk, Cornish and mining songs all feature regularly on their set lists. Barrett’s Privateers take each song and make it their own, with each of the voices finding a way to complement its neighbour, through the joy of just singing together. As such, the power and harmony within their lively performances are both enjoyable and hugely entertaining.
Contact: Penny Barrett barrettsprivateers81@gmail.com