Gloworm Festival, Thoresby Park, 7–9 August 2026
As family festivals across the UK face mounting pressures, Gloworm Festival believes it has found the secret recipe for success – and it starts with glow sticks, nostalgia, camping and getting families off their screens.
Ahead of its 10th anniversary celebrations this summer, the Nottinghamshire festival is revealing the secret ingredients that have helped it grow from a 3.5k family event in 2016 into one of the country’s most loved family weekends.
Gloworm, which returns with the promise to be bigger, better and bolder, says the centrepiece of its recipe has never changed – creating a space where parents and children can properly experience a festival together.
While the event has evolved over the years with giant Playmobil Raves, Mr Blobby singing Wonderwall, Stavros Flatley dance offs, camping adventures and immersive themed zones, organisers say the real magic comes from shared moments families cannot recreate through screens.
Festival director, Richard Walpole, said:
“Celebrating 10 years of Gloworm is incredibly special. What started as just an idea over a decade ago has grown into something truly magical, bringing thousands of families together each year to make unforgettable memories.
“We’re so proud of how far Gloworm has come and can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with everyone this summer.”
The hugely popular Playmobil Rave with DJ Sparky has become one of the festival’s most iconic traditions, returning year after year as families dance together.
Other standout moments have included Mr Blobby’s unforgettable performance of Oasis classic Wonderwall in 2024, Stavros Flatley inviting dads from the crowd on stage for a giant Greek dance routine in 2023, and Black Lace legend Dene Michael leading a huge Hokey Cokey conga line around the festival site in 2025.
Quieter moments, including CBeebies Bedtime Stories, camping under the stars and interactive meet and greets have become just as important to returning families as the bigger stage shows and performances.
Gloworm’s growth over the last decade has seen the festival evolve through superhero, pirate, retro, space and underwater themed festivals, while continuing to expand its entertainment and immersive experiences. Camping was also introduced in 2017 before the event moved to Thoresby Park in 2018 as demand continued to grow.
Even during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, organisers kept the Gloworm spirit alive online with the virtual BookWorm festival featuring readings from authors including Elmer creator David McKee.
Now, for its biggest celebration to date, the family festival will combine many of its most loved returning features with brand new attractions and entertainment.
Main stage host Jack Andrews said:
“It’s my 9th year hosting for Gloworm, and I can hand on heart say it’s my favourite festival of the year. It’s great for families of all ages, plenty to do and lots of prizes! I always have so much fun, and I can’t WAIT to get back on that stage for the most fun 3 days. See you soon GLOWORMERS!”
New for this year is the Adventure Zone, featuring the adrenaline filled Drop Tower, grass sledging, laser tag, trampolining, parkour and air track experiences. Returning favourites include free fairground rides until 5pm, the Playmobil Rave, CBeebies Bedtime Stories, PAW Patrol meet and greets, TV Party Tonight, Peaceful Possums Yoga and Gloworm’s Got Talent.
The Big Top returns hosted by Molly Kidz TV, with Q20 Events bringing performances including Peter Pan, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Pirate Pandemonium and Justin Credible and the Gems of Power.
Music and live entertainment across the weekend includes S Club’s Jo O’Meara performing live exclusively for campers on Friday night alongside Kevin & Perry, K-Pop Hunters Party, The Vengaboyz Experience, Swift & Styles, Spiceworld The Tribute and Black Lace legend Dene Michael.
Previously announced acts and experiences for Gloworm’s 10th anniversary also include SpongeBob SquarePants appearing at the festival for the first time, children’s favourite Nick Cope, Pat Sharp with the Fun House Twins, Twist & Pulse, Straight Out of Oz, Mama G, Nigel Clarke and Mythic Adventures, alongside White Post Farm experiences, Gloworm Beach, circus workshops and creative play areas.
The award-winning White Post Farm has been at every edition:
“We’re absolutely delighted to be returning to Gloworm Festival for its 10th Anniversary this year. Having been part of the festival since the very beginning, it has been incredible to watch it grow into the much-loved family event it is today, while meeting so many wonderful families who return year after year to share in the fun.
“Gloworm has been a fantastic supporter of ours over the years, helping to share our exciting animal news and events, and it’s a pleasure collaborating with them on ‘Light Post Farm’ each Christmas. We can’t wait to be back at Thoresby Park this August, with an even bigger and better area for families to enjoy — including a special visit from Southwell Young Farmers, who will be bringing along some impressive machinery for everyone to explore. Roll on August!”
CBeebies series presenter, Maddie Moate, first attended the festival in 2021, and is returning this year with a lot of energy and stories to tell.
She said:
“It’s been so special to watch the festival grow over the years, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be coming back again this year for the 10th Gloworm Festival this year.
“I’m so glad to have been part of such a wonderful event, there’s something truly magical about Gloworm, from the atmosphere to the amazing families and team behind it. I can’t wait to be back this year and celebrate this incredible milestone together!”
The camping experience goes beyond the main arena, offering exclusive Friday-night entertainment and early access to the site. With Park & Pitch running low and Glamping nearly sold out, it’s time to act to secure a booking. Don’t worry, there are plenty of traditional camping pitches available as well as Saturday and Sunday day tickets on offer.
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, go to www.glowormfestival.co.uk
Follow Gloworm on socials for all the news and line up announcements
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Posted on 01 June 2026
