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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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