A FESTIVAL that has established itself as one of Cornwall’s most creative autumn events is returning to Looe later this month.

The Looe Festival of Words - which runs from Monday, September 28 to Sunday, October 4 - brings together readers, writers, and lovers of language for a week of workshops, talks, and word-inspired activities.

Launched in 2024, the free, volunteer-run community festival focuses on local talent and community-led activities, which aims to support both the town’s creative and business communities, while drawing visitors to the area.

This year’s theme, Bridge of Words, is inspired by how Looe started out as two towns, East and West Looe, and are now joined by the town’s iconic bridge.

Some of the events taking place on each day of the festival:

Monday, September 28:

  • 11am: Author Ann Foweraker talks about her historical novel which is inspired by St Dominca of Cornwall (at Heritage Centre).
  • 2pm: Bridges and Connections - A poetry writing workshop with Anna Saunders (at Looe Library).
  • 7.30pm: Bridge of Words Festival Launch Night (at Heritage Centre).

Tuesday, September 29:

  • 10.30am: Times of Looe news walk with Mark Camp (at Heritage Centre).
  • 11am: The Power of Setting and Landscape - Creative writing workshop with Jason Mann (at Heritage Centre).
  • 2pm: All Around Morocco - A travel memoir with Paula Rooney (at Heritage Centre).
  • 7pm: Different Mind - A talk on neurodivergence with Pete Wharmby (at Hannaford Point Hotel).

Wednesday, September 30:

  • 10am: Homeschool Poetry Day (at The Guildhall Chamber)
  • 11am: Q&A with panel of crime authors Jayne Chard, Terry Green and Jenny Kane (at Heritage Centre).
  • 2pm: Forensics for Crime Writers with Prof. Richard Handy (at Heritage Centre)

Thursday, October 1 (National Poetry Day):

  • 11am: The Spriggan's Child - Traditional droll telling workshop with Anna Chorlton and Mazed Tales (at Heritage Centre).
  • 2pm: U3A Book Club meet the author Annalisa Crawford (at The Jubilee Centre, Duloe).
  • 4.30pm: Shoals of Starlings present a poetry performance workshop (at Riverside United Church).
  • 7pm: Looe Bookish Club meet the authors of Salt & Stone (at Sails Restaurant).
  • 7.30pm: Valley Verse and Friends host a Poetry Night (at Riverside United Church).

Friday, October 2:

  • 11am: A Cornish Bestiary interview with author Luke Thompson about his latest book (at The Old Sardine Factory).
  • 2pm: Dr Paul Taylor-McCartney takes the audience on a journey into his non-fiction book Cornwall Uncharted (at Heritage Centre).
  • 4.30pm: Meet members of Looe's Women's Writing for Wellbeing Group (at Heritage Centre)
  • 2pm Make Your Own Bridge of Words - A craft workshop with artist Sandra Brown (at Heritage Centre).

Saturday, October 3:

  • 10am to 4pm: Bookfair Day - A chance to purchase books and chat to authors (at Hannafore Point Hotel).

Sunday, October 4:

  • 11am: Writing Old Age, Dependency and Care - Clare Owen discusses her new book (at Heritage Centre).
  • 2pm: The Fantastic Festival Facts and Fiction Quiz (at Heritage Centre)
  • 7.30pm: Stags Hens and Honeymoons - Find out more of Looe's 'romantic' history with Mark Camp (at The Jolly Sailor).

Although admission is free, some sessions have limited capacity, so organisers are encouraging early online booking. Attendees are also invited to consider making a donation to help secure the festival’s future.

For the full schedule, booking details, and venue information, visit www.looefestivalofwords.com