Not quite Glastonbury, but arguably prettier, the Looe Music Festival attracts surprisingly high calibre musicians and groups such as Frank Turner, The Stranglers, Chas & Dave, The Darkness and the Damned. It's well worth planning a late summer break in Looe to enjoy the festival which takes place over three days on the third weekend in September.
The beautiful port and beach at Looe make a superb setting for a last summer festival before autumn sets in. Easy to reach by car from the A38, or by train from London in 3½ hours, festival goers can take advantage of the shuttle buses to transport them around the locality.
There are plenty of holiday cottages available in and around Looe, Polperro and further afield with easy connections to Looe by local train.
Impressive headline performers at the Looe Music Festival
This family-friendly resort offers an international line-up of bands and solo artists to bridge the generation gap, with something to suit all ages and tastes.
For 2014 the headline performer is Frank Turner from Hampshire. This sought-after punk artist has managed to squeeze in Looe Music Festival between appearances as far apart as Europe and the USA. With his philosophy that “sleep is for the weak”, he will no doubt be promoting his fifth and latest album, Tape Deck Heart.
Altogether 90 amazing bands are booked in this top non-profit event and will offer everything from high-energy folk, ska and choral to classical, barbershop, dance, hip-hop, jazz and bhanga. Sponsors of the festival are just as eclectic and include Cornish companies such as St Austell Brewery, Trawlers on the Quay restaurant, FireText digital comms and Looe Social Club.
Looe Music Festival beach location
Unlike many other music festivals, the Looe Music Festival takes place right in the heart of this quaint coastal town. Five main stages can be found on the beach and around the harbour area with a backdrop of fishing boats coming and going and fabulous Cornish coastal scenery. Away from the festival, Looe has plenty to offer with its many small shops, market and quaint pubs.
The 2014 line-up includes the Brand New Heavies, Cosmo Jarvis, The Lambrettas and Real Street on the Friday. Saturday highlights are Squeeze, Big Boss Man, Tenth Electric, The Oggymen, Leon Harvey and Miner Quay. The music festival winds up on the Sunday with Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Hayseed Dixie, Shamrock and the local Looe Valley Singers.
What Looe has to offer
Hopefully sunshine will be on the cards so visitors to the Looe Music Festival can relax on the beach, enjoy a dip in the sea, walk the South West Coast Path and have a Kelly's ice cream!
The town has plenty to offer with many independent shops in the town selling clothing, souvenirs and antiques. Many of the old pubs still do a brisk trade in food and drink so you will have no problem finding good food at reasonable prices, either from the festival stalls, local fish and chip shops or traditional smugglers' pubs.
Looe town is known as East Looe, with the fish market alongside the river estuary and the landmark Banjo pier guarding the entrance to the river port. Cross the bridge and walk down the quieter side of the river along Quay Road to find more pubs and restaurants in West Looe. Climb the hill to Hannafore Point where you can enjoy stunning views of Looe and Looe Island. There's a long stone and sand beach there with plenty of space. You'll find it's the perfect place for relaxing yet still within earshot of the music.
What's the secret to the success of Looe Music Festival? Is it the beach location, amenities, or the lineup that draws thousands of fans each year? Let us know what entices you to this late summer festival.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.