Some thoughts from Stewart Cawte - Keltek's managing Director

There are moments in life that change everything.

For Stewart Cawte, Managing Director of Keltek Cornish Brewery, and his wife, a quiet weekend away in Mevagissey became one of those moments.

Unbeknown to them, they had arrived during the Mevagissey Sea Shanty Festival. Having never experienced a sea shanty festival before, they spent the weekend doing exactly what thousands of visitors have done ever since the festival began—wandering through the village, enjoying the unique atmosphere, moving from venue to venue, and listening to the incredible voices that filled the harbour with traditional songs of the sea.

Among those performers was The Stuns’ls and festival founder, Tristan Netherton.

Between songs, Tristan spoke passionately about how the festival had begun, the vision behind it, and the reason it exists today—not simply to celebrate Cornwall’s rich maritime heritage, but to raise vital funds for local charities and good causes throughout Mevagissey and the surrounding area.

That story resonated deeply with Stewart.

The following morning, on the final day of the festival, Stewart saw Tristan walking towards him. He introduced himself and asked a question that has since become the foundation of a remarkable friendship and collaboration.

“How can I help?”

Those four simple words marked the beginning of a partnership that has gone from strength to strength.

This year marks Keltek Cornish Brewery’s sixth year of proudly supporting the Mevagissey Sea Shanty Festival. What began as a chance encounter has grown into a genuine friendship built on mutual respect, shared values and a common belief in giving something back.

Keltek Cornish Brewery has become one of Cornwall’s most celebrated independent breweries. With numerous Gold Awards to its name, consecutive CAMRA South West Beer Champion titles, Back to Back Beer Champions, and prestigious European accolades recognising the quality of its beers, the brewery has earned an outstanding reputation both at home and abroad. Yet, despite these achievements, Stewart and the Keltek team remain immensely proud that one of their most rewarding partnerships is helping a festival whose success is measured not by trophies, but by the difference it makes to its community.

Each year, Keltek donates the beer that supports the festival’s fundraising efforts, ensuring that every penny raised from those sales goes directly to the charities and community causes chosen by Tristan and the festival committee.

It is far more than sponsorship.

It is a partnership.

It is a friendship.