CHILDREN will get the chance to throw as much jelly as they like this half term as Looe gears up for its annual raft race.

A ‘Seaweed Jelly Bonanza’ is happening next week outside the Old Sardine Factory on West Looe Quay, complete with jelly scooping, marine arts and crafts and even a jelly sensory bath.

Adults will not be left out and can also take their turn aiming jelly at the willing kayakers and paddle boarders from Looe Marine Conservation Group (LMCG).

The fun event on Tuesday (May 28) is a practice run for next month’s Looe Raft Race. The idea behind the campaign is to let people in Looe and beyond know that water balloons are a no-go for the environment - and to prove that just as much fun can be had with harmless seaweed-based jelly.

‘Last year, LMCG volunteers pioneered the use of seaweed jelly as a substitute for balloon water bombs traditionally thrown at Looe’s annual raft race,’ said the group’s Gill Bridges.

‘Balloons do not biodegrade and are harmful to marine animals which mistake them for food. Instead, jelly made from agar powder – a derivative of seaweed - provides an ideal environmentally friendly alternative.’

The coverage given to the jelly-throwing has influenced regattas further afield, and this year Looe Marine Conservation Group hopes to spread the message even more widely than before.

Old Sardine Factory chef Ben Palmer has helped the cause with a step by step video on how to make seaweed jelly from agar powder.

‘This powder is widely used by chefs all over the world as a thickening agent, and is totally harmless to the marine environment,’ said Gill.

‘Our volunteers will be making 250 litres of seaweed jelly for the Looe Raft Race but we have also collaborated with local grocery store Quayside Fresh to make it easier for people to make their own jelly at home.

‘Seaweed Jelly powder sachets will contain powder for one litre of jelly, come with cooking instructions and be available for a small donation.’

Looe’s Seaweed Jelly takeover is set to take place on Tuesday (May 28) from 12.30 - 4.30pm.