Looe Festival of Words Returns This October for Second Year

The Looe Festival of Words is back this autumn, promising five days of literary celebrations from 1st to 5th October 2025. Following a successful debut in 2024, the community-run event will once again bring together readers, writers and anyone with a love for words.

Run entirely by volunteers, the free festival will feature workshops, talks, storytelling evenings, and a wide range of word-related activities.

What’s On at the Festival

This year’s programme includes:

• Writing workshops covering everything from editing to poetry to playwriting.

• Author talks, including appearances from local writers such as Brigit Strawbridge Howard.

• Craft activities giving old books a new life.

• A guided walk exploring Looe’s literary links.

• Storytelling evenings, with tales inspired by the sea and a Ghost Night in one of Looe’s most haunted pubs, led by Shadow Tor Paranormal.

• A flagship Book Fair showcasing local authors and publishers, complete with free talks.

• A poetry night on National Poetry Day, highlighting local talent.

• A rockpool ramble with a literary twist, run by Looe Marine Conservation Group alongside local children’s author Ellie Jackson.

• A cream tea and book-themed quiz.

• A behind-the-scenes talk from a member of the production team of BBC’s Beyond Paradise.

In addition, Dyslexia Cornwall will host a pre-festival information event, underlining the festival’s aim to make the joy of words accessible to all.

Local Voices

Returning workshop leader and author Jenny Alexander praised the line-up:

“The organisers have really knocked it out of the park with this programme. I’m proud to be part of it.”

Volunteer organiser Liz Manning highlighted the community support behind the festival:

“We are so grateful to all our sponsors, who have made it possible for this year’s festival to be offered free of charge again so it’s accessible to as many people as possible. We’ve had fantastic support from local businesses and individuals. From charitable funding to offers of venues to sponsorship of events to advice and expertise, we’ve benefitted from the incredible generosity of the local area. It means that Looe Festival of Words truly is ‘by the community, for the community’ and that’s what helps make this a unique literary festival.”

How to Get Involved

Attendees are encouraged to book online in advance, as some events have limited spaces. Donations are welcomed on the day to help support the future of the festival.

The full programme, booking details and venues can be found at welcometolooe.com