Sea shanties will mark the opening of Newton Abbot Museum’s doors for its 2017 season on Wednesday, April 5.
Canadian folk singer Jim Payne will be playing a free performance from 1pm. His songs illustrate the town’s historic links with the Canadian Province of Newfoundland, which date back to the 16th century.
Many Devon boats sailed annually to waters off Newfoundland to fish for cod. Initially men left in April and returned in the autumn, but gradually they began to overwinter and in 1583 Sir Humphrey Gilbert claimed Newfoundland as the first English overseas colony.
Newton Abbot prospered through the trade thanks to rope making and crew recruitment in the local hostelries. Jim Payne’s performance is on a first come, first served basis.