Forget X Factor, the real search for the UK’s best singers is finally over.

Well, pub singers that is… regulars of the Seven Stars Inn, Stithians, Cornwall, have sung their way to the top and will now be performing alongside Port Isaac’s famous ensemble Fisherman’s Friends in their own local. 

Back in June, Cornwall’s St Austell Brewery launched a nationwide search for singers game enough to enter a karaoke-style competition and cover an old favourite by unlikely superstar shanty singers Fisherman’s Friends - the faces of the Brewery’s much-loved Tribute Ale. 

A Youtube poll decided the final winner after Fisherman’s Friends showed their support for the sixteen finalists. The Seven Stars Inn received 34% of beer lovers’ votes, making them the clear winner.  

Fans of Tribute Ale entered the Tribute Act competition by submitting videos of themselves and their colleagues, family and friends performing their version of the traditional Cornish pub song ‘Little Eyes’. There were entries from karaoke wannabees, professional tribute acts, touring farmers and even the staff of St Austell Brewery themselves. 

The Seven Stars Inn is now the only pub in Stithians, which has a population of just over 2000. It is a lively, welcoming traditional Cornish local pub with a great selection of real ale and good quality food at great value.

Lisa Curnow, the landlady of the Seven Stars Inn, said: “Everyone at the Seven Stars is delighted to have won this competition. Once our regulars heard about Tribute Act they insisted we all got together, recorded our entry and show the strong Stithians community spirit. We’re all very much looking forward to singing alongside the Fisherman’s Friends!”

James Staughton, St Austell Brewery's managing director and great-great grandson of Walter Hicks, founder of the Brewery, said: “Like Tribute Ale, the Fisherman’s Friends are a true Cornish success story.

“We like to share this success with our fans and the opportunity arose to bring the Fisherman’s Friends along to someone’s local. We were impressed with the quality of all the entries but I have to agree with the public vote – the Seven Stars deserved the top prize.”

John Cleve of The Fisherman’s Friends said “I think we might have some real competition out there. It was tough whittling the entries down to only three, as the effort all the acts put into the song was amazing. We are delighted to be performing at the Seven Stars Inn. We’re hoping for a packed house and plenty of Tribute Ale to lubricate this very special Cornish singalong.” 

The winner’s details and a list of all the entries can be found at www.tributeale.co.uk/tributeact, www.youtube.com/tributeale or www.facebook.com/StAustellBrewery. If you would like to attend the Fisherman’s Friends gig at the Seven Stars Inn please contact 01179 731173 for more details.

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