Looe Raft Race Returns on Sunday 21st June

Looe’s quaysides are about to get busy again. One of the town’s best loved events is back for 2026, and the people behind it reckon this year will be the biggest yet.

The Looe raft race returns on Sunday 21st June, running from 11:30am to 1:30pm. It starts at East Looe Beach and pulls in hundreds of spectators, who line the Banjo Pier and the quaysides on both sides of the river to watch the action.

Who is behind it

The race is organised jointly by Looe Boatowners Association (LBOA) and Looe RNLI. The RNLI volunteers have said they are pleased the LBOA is again helping to put the day together. As well as a day out on the water, the event raises money for the RNLI.

How the race works

Home-built rafts compete along various courses up the river, and there are several classes to enter, covering junior fun, adult fun and elite.

The elite and adult teams paddle from East Looe Beach, along the river to a turn above the bridge, then back to the finish line at the lifeboat slipway. The juniors join in too, setting off from little beach by the lifeboat station.

Teams race for the fun of it and to raise money, with trophies and prizes on the line as well, donated by organisations and businesses around the town. Awards go to the winner of each class, along with the best fundraiser and the best fancy dress.

Who can take part

Anyone over the age of 8 can enter. Anyone under 18 will need signed parental consent on the day.

How to enter and watch

Entry is free, but organisers are asking teams to reserve a place on Eventbrite. If you fancy raising money for the station, you can set up your own JustGiving fundraising page and hit the “Start Fundraising” button.