7–9 August 2026, Thoresby Park
One of the UK’s best-loved family festivals is getting ready for a very special celebration. Gloworm Festival turns ten this summer, and organisers are promising its biggest and best event yet with new entertainment, improved facilities and a packed line-up designed especially for families.
Returning to the beautiful grounds of Thoresby Park, the festival runs from 7–9 August 2026 and is expected to attract thousands of families from across the UK.
A festival designed with families in mind
Gloworm has become known as the UK’s largest festival dedicated entirely to families with children, and organisers say this year’s event has been shaped directly by parent feedback.
More than 90% of visitors to the 2025 festival said they would definitely return, praising the friendly, safe and inclusive atmosphere.
Parents highlighted the huge choice of activities for children, including unlimited free fairground rides, character meet-and-greets and evening main stage entertainment for the whole family.
Popular attractions such as the Playmobil rave, White Post Farm, arts and crafts sessions, laser tag and skateboarding will all return for the 2026 festival.
New upgrades for the anniversary year
To celebrate the festival’s 10th birthday, organisers have also introduced several improvements.
The main campsite will move next to the glamping area, creating more space and new features including:
-
A camper pamper zone for getting festival-ready (perfect for Sunday’s fancy dress fun)
-
Morning campsite activities for early-rising children
-
Exclusive early arena access for campers from 9.30am
The main arena will also stay open later this year, with stage entertainment running until 10pm each night across the weekend.
Families will also benefit from more water refill stations and clearer signage around the site.
In a move welcomed by many parents, the festival has also introduced new single parent ticket options, helping make the event more accessible for all types of families.
A line-up full of nostalgia and family favourites
The anniversary celebrations will feature a mix of nostalgic pop, live shows and children’s entertainment.
Friday night will kick off with Jo O’Meara performing with her full live band, bringing an energetic S Club party exclusively for campers.
Also performing across the weekend will be:
-
Vengaboys (The Vengaboyz Experience)
-
Dene Michael performing classic party hits
-
Pat Sharp, returning with a DJ set alongside the iconic Fun House twins
-
Twist & Pulse, the Britain’s Got Talent stars and TikTok sensations
Families can also enjoy stage shows including Superhero vs Princess, magical musical show Straight Out of Oz, and pop tribute Swift & Styles celebrating the music of Taylor Swift and Harry Styles.
Families travelling from across the UK
Gloworm has built a loyal community of returning families, many travelling from across the UK to attend.
One family from Hull said the event had become “the highlight of our year”, while a first-time visitor from London said it was “impossible for kids to get bored”.
Festival Director Richard Walpole said the tenth anniversary was a huge milestone.
“What makes Gloworm so special is our amazing community of families. Parents share ideas and feedback with us every year, and that genuinely helps shape the festival. We want Gloworm to be designed by families, for families.”
Interactive play returns
Headline sponsor Playmobil will once again bring its popular Play Village, packed with hands-on activities and toys, along with the much-loved Playmobil Rave, which returns to the main stage on both Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets on sale now
Tickets for the anniversary weekend are already on sale and include family weekend passes, VIP options, glamping packages and the new single parent tickets.
For more information and tickets visit www.glowormfestival.co.uk.