A fantastic, friendly, folk, rock and indie inspired music festival in the calming harbour town of Looe Cornwall.
Looe is satisfyingly far down on the south Cornwall coast. The journey is long, but you will be rewarded.
Cocooned in a bay, this pretty and vibrant old harbour town is surrounded by high, lush green woodland. Many of the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th century. Its fascinating history of smuggling, shipping and fishing is kept alive by way of preserved landmarks, charismatic locals and historic buildings throughout the town and coastline.
It’s busy now with the festival in full tow. The setting is perfect. Cobbled streets, a sparkling river, venues to suit all genres of music, and plenty of eateries and pubs to amble in-between acts. Folk, fun and frolics here we come! Looe Music Festival.
Headline acts this year include Brian Ferry, Alabama 3, Fun Loving Criminals and Craig Charles DJ (my fave was Craig Charles) but at the heart are the smaller acts and buskers who play in various locations around the town – in old pubs, small bars, huge tents, the beach main stage, the streets, the harbour, on top of a big van..
Everyone from locals, festival goers, folk lovers, families, bearded hipsters and pirates alike are out enjoying the music and warm September heat.
Some music highlights
Gilmore and Roberts a folk/indie duo, charmed us with storytelling tunes, seamless harmonies, gorgeous guitar and violin playing, and quirky funny chats in-between. I liked the one with the guy with an amputated leg or arm…
I caught a rare jazz act – Louise Parker in Zute Bar. Her strong, soulful voice filled the room with some old classics and lively clap along jazz numbers. She sang to our small crowd with ease and got everyone involved. Accompanying her was a piano playing feind. I didn’t catch his name, please do comment if you know it.
I enjoyed a captivating performance from Elliott Morris. Folk, pop with a rock edge. A strong and calming voice, each song was heartfelt and warm. His superb, lively and edgy acoustic guitar playing added an extra dimension to his performance.
Choose if you want to avoid the ticket cost. You could happily amber round the numerous side streets on both sides of the river, explore and catch some great buskers. There was some bellowing didgeridoo playing, a folk style ukulele Sia tribute, some mythical story telling, and a host of very good traditional folk singers to name a few.
Good food is never far away. Street food vendors, venues and pubs offer an array of cuisine from classic Jamaican dishes to freshly caught seafood platters.
Sample some Cornish pasties (they are lovely), sip good quality coffee or herbal tea, or a cool beer. Eat chips, relax in a plush restaurant or chill in a pub of your choosing. I spotted some locals crab catching. They had a bucket full!
After 3 days of glorious music, exploring cobbled streets, some unexpected company from Australian Jess, and many a Cornish treat, I ended the festival on a high and made my way to the last couple of acts.
One of the best things about this festival… big enough crowds to create a great atmosphere, but small enough venues so that you can get up close, if you want.
I caught the start of Fun Loving Criminals with Huey and his no pulling any punches chat and strong rock performance. I heard good reviews of them, but with a dance head on me I made my way to see funk and soul connoisseur Craig Charles with his boundless energy and a funktastic funk & soul DJ set. It was superb. A good dance finale from myself and a few hundred revellers to round the festival off nicely.
Thank you Looe! I will be returning for sure.
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