Gloworm, the magical family festival, is pulling out all the stops for its 10th anniversary with a wave of new acts, zones and activities led by a first-ever appearance from SpongeBob SquarePants.
To celebrate the release of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, the beloved costume character will be out and about meeting fans of all ages at Gloworm for the first time. Released in cinemas in December, the new film builds on SpongeBob’s timeless appeal, continuing to entertain kids and adults alike.
Also new for 2026 is Nick Cope, the popular children’s musician, singer-songwriter and author, best known for creating and starring in the CBeebies show Nick Cope’s Popcast. He performs original, engaging acoustic music for children and families, often combining live guitar performances with self-produced animations.
Alongside the new acts, Gloworm has announced a range of high-energy new attractions for 2026, including the brand new Adventure Zone packed with action and challenges for families to enjoy together.
New experiences include grass sledging, offering summer toboggan-style thrills, Olympic trampolining with expert coaches, a Drop Tower – Brave the Drop Tower – jump onto a giant airbag, Parkour sessions with friendly instructors, and Laser Tag with a fast-paced outdoor course. Skateboarding will also return in 2026, with Wizard of Skate back with an even bigger and better skate space.
The festival has also confirmed the return of the Big Top, hosted by Molly Kidz TV. Returning guests, Mama G will perform on Saturday and Sohan Kailey on Sunday, while Junk Jodie will make her Gloworm debut with her Sea-Tacular and Tree-Tastic shows running throughout the weekend. Other confirmed acts – presented by Q20 events – include the Peter Pan show, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Pirate Pandemonium and Justin Credible and the Gems of Power.
Festival director Richard Walpole said: “Celebrating 10 years of Gloworm is incredibly special, and we’re making 2026 our biggest year yet. From welcoming SpongeBob SquarePants for the first time to fantastic performers like Nick Cope and a host of brand new zones and experiences, it’s all about creating an unforgettable, joy-filled weekend for families.”
Across the weekend, Gloworm’s main stages will host a vibrant mix of live music, family favourites and festival entertainment. Friday’s programme is exclusive to campers and includes Jo O’Meara’s S Club Party, Kevin & Perry Go Large, the K-Pop Hunters Party, the Traditional Fairground and Secret Cinema, kicking off the anniversary celebrations in style.
Saturday highlights include The Vengaboyz Experience, Black Lace legend Dene Michael, Swift & Styles with their high-energy tribute show, and children’s music favourite Nick Cope, alongside DJ sets and interactive performances designed to keep the whole family entertained from day to night.
Sunday brings the festival to a colourful close with appearances from Pat Sharp joined by the Fun House Twins, Maddie Moate, Straight Out of Oz, Twist & Pulse and a Pinktribute performance, as well as Gloworm’s Got Talent and family-friendly DJ sets, offering a final day packed with energy, nostalgia and hands-on fun. Adding to the line up of stars, children’s TV presenter Nigel Clarke will be appearing across the whole weekend.
Beyond the stages, Gloworm is known for its immersive festival site, packed with themed zones and hands-on experiences. Families can explore Mythic Adventure with dragon shows, storytelling, sensory spaces and character encounters, while White Post Farmreturns with animal experiences, including Little Farmers’ Club, Birds of Prey and creepy-crawly encounters. Into the Woods offers forest-school style activities such as den building, pond dipping, medieval play and mini war horses, while Creative Play caters for younger visitors with Tiny Tots activities, arts and crafts and relaxed play spaces.
Entertainment continues across the Circus area with circus skills, balloon modelling and performance workshops, while The Hive delivers high-energy fun including the Actual Reality Arcade, drumming sessions, graffiti art, DJ workshops and interactive wrestling. Gloworm Beach also returns with giant sand play and classic seaside entertainment, ensuring there is always something happening wherever families choose to explore.
Meet and greets remain a key part of the Gloworm experience, with families able to meet a wide range of much-loved characters and performers across the weekend. As well as SpongeBob SquarePants, appearances include Mr Blobby, characters from Mythic Adventures, Princess vs Superhero, Gilbert, Elphaba and Glinda, with Maddie Moatealso taking part in meet and greets on Sunday.
Camping at Gloworm extends the festival experience beyond the main arena, with exclusive Friday night entertainment and early access to the site. Accommodation options include traditional camping pitches, Park & Pitch spaces for campervans and motorhomes, and fully equipped bell tent glamping with power hookup and comfortable layouts.
All entertainment and activities are included in the ticket price, with a range of ticket options available, including family passes, single parent tickets, VIP upgrades and glamping.
For more information and where to buy tickets, click here.
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Posted on 26 February 2026
