13–15 August 2027 | Thoresby Park
Families who love a festival weekend can already start planning for summer 2027, with Gloworm Festival confirming its return to Thoresby Park from 13–15 August 2027 following what organisers describe as its best year to date.
The 2026 festival marked Gloworm’s 10th anniversary, attracting around 20,000 visitors and receiving praise from families for its entertainment, relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly layout.
Early Bird tickets for Gloworm Festival 2027 went on general sale at 10am on Monday 17 August, with payment plans available to help families spread the cost of their festival weekend.
One of the attractions for families is that a Gloworm ticket includes access to the festival’s entertainment and daytime fairground rides, meaning there is plenty included once visitors arrive.
A festival that has become a family tradition
For some families, Gloworm has become much more than an annual festival.
Joe Salmon from Mansfield is preparing to attend his 10th consecutive Gloworm in 2027, having made the festival a yearly get-together for his extended family.
“Gloworm has become a proper family tradition for us,” he said. “Our extended family comes from far and wide and every year we all meet up for this one weekend in August.
“Over the years we’ve done Gloworm with babies, kids, teenagers, parents and even great-grandparents and every single year we’ve come away with brilliant memories.”
Joe says the relaxed atmosphere is one of the reasons his family continues to return.
“One of the things we love most about Gloworm is just how safe and relaxed it feels for the kids. There’s so much for them to see and do, and we love that once you’re through the gates, so much of it is included in the ticket price.
“They can just spend the weekend exploring, trying things, watching shows and having fun.”
He added: “For our family, Gloworm isn’t really just a festival anymore. It’s our weekend. The weekend every August when everyone gets together, switches off from normal life and makes another load of memories.”
Plenty for children to discover
A major part of Gloworm’s appeal is the variety of activities available for children, with organisers encouraging young visitors to try something new during the weekend.
Activities have included everything from wrestling, skateboarding, trampolining and parkour to laser tag, axe throwing and circus skills, alongside creative activities, shows and opportunities to meet favourite characters.
The 2026 festival also produced some memorable moments, including Dene Michael leading what organisers described as possibly the unofficial world’s largest Hokey Cokey.
Festival Director Richard Walpole said giving children the opportunity to discover new interests is central to the festival.
“A big part of Gloworm is giving kids the chance to discover new interests and passions,” he said.
“Whether it’s an activity such as wrestling, getting to meet their favourite characters and freeing their imaginations with creative play, the weekend is all about making special memories, and families often tell us Gloworm is life-changing for them.”
Improvements return for 2027
Several of the changes introduced for the 2026 festival will continue into 2027.
These include a later finish, with entertainment running until 10pm, earlier access to the main arena for campers and increased Friday night entertainment.
The camping experience was also upgraded for 2026, with larger pitches, improved facilities, a campsite shop and entertainment aimed at early risers.
Families have a choice of ways to attend, including the Family Camping Weekend, which includes three days of entertainment and three nights of camping.
Other options include Single Parent Glamping, Pitch and Power, VIP upgrades and Day Tickets.
Early Bird tickets now available
Organisers are encouraging families who already know they want to attend Gloworm 2027 to book early to secure the best available value.
With the festival taking place during the summer holidays, families can also start planning their 2027 summer break well ahead of time.
Gloworm Festival 2027 takes place from 13–15 August 2027 at Thoresby Park.
For tickets and further information, visit Gloworm Festival.
Families can also follow Gloworm on Facebook and Instagram for festival news and future line-up announcements.
