Gloworm
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Mark your calendars for 7–9 August 2026, when the historic grounds of Newark Castle will come alive for Gloworm Festival–a magical three-day celebration of family, music and creativity. Gloworm is designed especially for parents and children (from toddlers to teens), inviting visitors to step into a vibrant, imaginative playground beneath the castle walls and open summer sky. With colourful live entertainment, interactive performances and charming surprises around every corner, the festival offers a warm, friendly welcome to everyone.
Gloworm is all about sparking wonder and creativity. Throughout the day the castle grounds become a colourful playground of music, games and imagination. Families can take part in hands-on arts and crafts workshops – for example, painting and building projects under big festival tents – or explore nature-inspired play zones tucked under the shade of the old trees. Friendly performers and storytellers roam the site, filling the air with music and laughter. Kids are encouraged to dream big and create freely at their own pace, and parents can join in the fun or simply relax knowing every activity is designed with little ones in mind.
Live music and entertainment abound at Gloworm. On the main stage and in smaller areas, family-friendly bands and interactive shows keep the energy high for all ages. Whether it’s dancing to upbeat tunes on the grass, enjoying funny storytelling under fairy lights, or singing along with colourful entertainers, there’s always something to delight both kids and their grown-ups. When night falls, the festival grounds truly glow–with lantern parades, twinkling decorations and gentle light shows creating a cozy, magical atmosphere. It’s a safe, vibrant way to end each day as families dance and laugh together under the stars.
Gloworm is also a festival that truly looks after families. The location itself–on gently sloping lawns around Newark Castle and by the River Trent–provides natural picnic spots, shady areas and play-friendly space for kids of all ages. Parents appreciate family rest zones, stroller-friendly paths and plenty of drinking water stations, while children might get adorned with face-painting or wave a balloon animal between adventures. A village of food stalls and local vendors offers everything from healthy snacks to hearty meals and sweet treats, so everyone can refuel whenever they need to. Helpful volunteers and staff are always on hand, adding to the feeling that every detail is carefully planned for comfort and fun. By Sunday evening, families leave Gloworm with hearts full of laughter and heads buzzing with new ideas–already dreaming of next year’s adventure.
This year marks Gloworm’s tenth birthday, and it promises to be the best celebration yet! In addition to all your favourite attractions, there will be exciting new art installations, performers and play spaces sprinkled throughout the festival grounds. Expect special anniversary surprises — perhaps a bigger festival parade or an extra daytime concert — as we honour a decade of family fun. One thing that never changes: Gloworm remains a safe, colourful festival where we cherish imagination, joy and togetherness. It’s an annual adventure that has touched tens of thousands of hearts already, and Gloworm 2026 at Newark Castle is one you won’t want to miss.
Newark is easily accessible by public transport. The town has two railway stations: Newark Castle (on the Nottingham–Lincoln line), which is just a short walk from the castle grounds, and Newark North Gate (on the East Coast Main Line) with frequent trains from cities like London (approximately 75-80 minutes to King’s Cross), York and Leeds. Stagecoach operates local bus routes that connect Newark with Nottingham, Lincoln and nearby towns; buses stop at the Newark Bus Station and town centre, within easy walking distance of the castle. Long-distance coaches (such as National Express) also serve Newark-on-Trent, providing affordable onward travel from most UK cities, with easy connections to the festival via local transit.
By car, Newark is conveniently located near major roads. If you’re driving from London or the south, the A1(M) and A1 (via the M25) will bring you straight to Newark; take one of the exits labelled Newark to reach town. From the west or Midlands, the A46 is the main route into Newark. Signposting in Leicester and Nottingham (for the A46) and along the A1 clearly points the way to the castle and city centre. There are several public car parks around Newark (in the town centre, by the river, and near Newark Castle station) with pay-and-display spaces. The castle area itself allows drop-offs and short-term parking nearby. Be aware that summer weekends can be busy, so consider arriving early or sharing rides. Parking apps and maps can help you find the nearest lots, and free on-street parking is limited in the historic core of town.
If you’re flying in, Newark is not far from several airports. The closest is East Midlands Airport (EMA) near Derby, about 30 miles away (roughly a 40–50 minute drive). EMA has many domestic flights and some European connections. Manchester Airport and Birmingham Airport are larger and about 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Newark, offering a wide range of flights. If flying into London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton), your best bet is usually to take a train from London to Newark North Gate (East Coast trains from King’s Cross) — roughly an hour’s travel once you arrive in London. There are also coach services between some airports and Nottingham, from which you can connect by train or bus to Newark. Once in Nottinghamshire, hiring a car or using local taxis can be handy for reaching rural lodgings and attractions quickly.
Newark and its surroundings offer a wide variety of places to stay. In town, you'll find familiar hotels like Premier Inn and Travelodge, as well as quaint guesthouses and B&Bs on streets like Castle Gate and Town Wharf, often just a short stroll from the castle. Many of these spots are family-friendly, with bigger rooms or on-site play areas and breakfasts suited for kids. Just outside town, the Nottinghamshire countryside provides holiday cottages, farm stays and boutique rooms — a car is useful to reach many of these. A handful of caravan sites and campsites are also nearby for those who enjoy camping or RV travel. Because Gloworm is a popular summer event, we recommend booking accommodation as early as possible — hotels and alternatives often fill up months in advance. If you plan to extend your stay, consider splitting your visit (for example, one night in town and one night in the countryside) so you can explore the best of both worlds.
Newark Castle, Newark, NG241BG
Festivals Near Newark Castle
