Following the success of its inaugural event in 2024, Lugger Fest will be back next year. Ullapool’s biennial traditional maritime festival returns from 22-24 May 2026 to Scotland’s northwest coast.
Held on Shore Quay, Ullapool, Lugger Fest 26 will once again welcome a fleet of heritage boats to the harbour to sail and celebrate. Founded as a herring port, Ullapool and its surrounding waters of Loch Broom once supported hundreds of lug-rigged boats as part of the fishery – old photographs show the loch thick with masts and sails.
Lugger Fest was conceived to celebrate and recognise this history and heritage but also to bring together and enjoy the boats and skills still alive and active today. Next year’s festival once again promises an exciting schedule of music, food, drinks and dancing, plus talks and maritime activities ashore, with local and visiting luggers returning to the harbour to sail, race and join the party.
Lugger Fest is produced by West Coast Working Boats, a collaboration between two boatyards: Johnson and Loftus Boat Builders on Loch Broom, and Isle Ewe Boats on Loch Ewe. The festival is generously supported by the Ullapool Harbour Trust.
For more information and to register interest or participate: www.luggerfest.wordpress.com