Last weekend saw the debut of Gloworm Festvial up at Clumber Park and without a shadow of a doubt it was a success. This festival was different from other ones around Nottinghamshire as its focus was not on the music, although that was good which I will get to later, but it was all about the kids.
From the moment we walked in on the Sunday we knew we were in for a good day, as the first thing we saw was a mermaid, followed quickly by a story telling princess and then Robin Hood and his merry men struck a pose for us.
Ben and Holly also made an appearance, although the amount of bodyguards Holly had made it very difficult to get a photo and confused the little ones. That is one of the very few negatives, there was high level of security who were very rude if approached. For such a family friendly festival it was a bit strange and intimidating. However that is nit picking as everything from meeting the animals at White Post Farm to the Big Tops and Tall Tales Pop Up Cocktail Bar was just so thought out and lovely.
There was plenty of space and seating from hay bales to picnic benches, the toilets were clean, the programs were comprehensive, they even had a stand to write telephone numbers on the kids wristbands.
There was plenty to keep adults and kids of all ages entertained, you could learn circus skills, hang out in the beach, learn baby signing or just go on one of the many free rides. Then there was the music; Tharsonic were rocking the stage whilst we picnicked with some great covers such as Ace of Spades. Unknown Era brought the sun and got everyone dancing with their awesome eclectic gyspy folk ska style. The Half Eight entertained the kids with a dance competition to their Mcfly-esque tunes. Toploader were the headline act and pulled the biggest crowd with all the dads getting their kids on their shoulders, dancing to the hits Achilles Heel and Dancing in the Moonlight.
Then it was time to head home, a nice early finish of 7pm, but unlike most festival there was almost no queuing in the car parks, lovely quick exit. Hardly a bad word to say about this festival, with a few tweaks (such as keeping the rides open for a little longer) Gloworm 2017 looks set to be amazing.
Although this is only based on the Sunday, I did speak to a few people who spent the weekend there camping and they loved it and didn’t have any criticisms. I’m definitely getting my ticket early for next year. For more information and a photo competition for see their Facebook page here.
More photos to come soon.
Review by Josie Opal
Photo Credit to Sarah Hamilton
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