If you come to Looe during traditional fairs and festivals, you get a real sense of the friendliness of local people. To share some of the fun and laughter, and the historic traditions associated with our Cornish fishing town, this blog highlights some regular events from previous years.
1. Looe Lugger Regatta
2. Looe Raft Race and Festival of the Sea
The Raft Race is an annual event, normally held in June as part of Looe’s Festival of the Sea. Clad in fancy dress, participants launch their home-made rafts from East Looe Beach to round the Banjo Pier and paddle to Looe Bridge and back. Funds are raised for the RNLI.
Children no longer throw water balloons at the rafts following a successful campaign by Looe Marine Conservation Group. They successfully persuaded revellers to throw jelly made from sea weed instead, as a more environmentally friendly alternative. Move on a couple of years and it’s better understood that nothing is to be thrown into the river to protect our oceans.
Either side of the Raft Race, the Festival of the Sea is an educational day of fun-filled family activities and entertainment. The activities highlight Looe’s respect for the sea and its marine life and the livelihood it provides to Looe’s fishing community. In 2025, the Raft Race takes place at 3.20 pm on Sunday 22 June.
3. Looe Carnival
4. Walk to Looe Island
5. Looe Island Swim
6. Looe Live
Looe has gained fame for its music festival, now called Looe Live. Usually during the third week of September, the whole of Looe town is taken over by a three-day festival of music and the arts. You will find this unique gathering a friendly affair – though be warned – it does take over the whole town. Tickets are sold online and accommodation needs to be booked well in advance. Main stage acts introduced by the BBC are on the beach and seafront, with pop up performances at more than 100 venues. This community led festival also features a variety of workshops. 17-19 September are provisional dates for 2021.
7. Looe's Santa Fun Run
8. Looe's New Year Fireworks
