Rainbow H.E. @Newark Showground runs 3rd – 10th August 2026 (departure day on the 10th). The venue is Newark Showground, Lincoln Rd, Coddington, Newark NG24 2NY.

The event is organised by and for the home education community. It’s family friendly, inclusive, and volunteer run, with space for friends and extended family too.

• Toilets: A mix of standard and accessible toilets, open 24/7
• Showers: standard and accessible
• Drinking water points 
• Bins and recycling points
• Food traders
• Washing up point
• Device charging available in the Rainbow Hall

We are committed to making the event as accessible as possible.

• Accessible toilets and shower available 24/7
• Accessible camping close to facilities
• Step free and ramp access to the main building
• Step free access to marquees

You can email us if you have questions or would like to let us know about your access needs. . Please also see our page dedicated to applying for an Access Card if you need additional support.

Camping is included in your ticket. You can bring a tent, caravan, or live-in vehicle. We’ll also have a limited number of electric hook up (EHU) pitches available to book in advance. Within the site we have four main camping villages. Horse Ring, Sherwood Ring (for quieter camping), Tent Village B and Ten Village C. You can see more about this on the Rainbow Village Map.

While cars can’t stay next to tents during the event, you’ll be able to drive onto the camping field when you arrive to unload your gear. After that, vehicles need to be moved to the car park. The only exception is for live-in vehicles that are designed or adapted for sleeping in. When it’s time to leave, you can bring your car back to collect your things, we just ask that you pack down as much as possible before driving onto the field.

If you want an EHU, you’ll book it at the same time as your entry tickets. You’ll be able to see the available pitches on a map and choose your spot. When you click on the map it will enlarge and you’ll be able to choose your pitch. They are represented as small dots on the map.

Yes, we have an area called Sherwood Ring where families who prefer a quieter atmosphere can camp together. You can see the map here.

You’re welcome to self-cater (camp stoves, BBQs off the ground). We’ll also have food traders on site and supermarkets can deliver supplies to the site.

Your ticket includes 7 nights camping plus all activities & entertainment

Prices are as follows:

We also offer a low-income discount for those on Universal Credit and carer tickets.

We accept the Nimbus Access Card as evidence of disability related support needs. Carer tickets are available free of charge for those who qualify. If you do not yet have a Nimbus Access Card you may buy your paid tickets now and add on any carer tickets which you are eligible for at a later date.

Absolutely. Volunteers are a huge part of making the event happen. We’ll have more info soon, but in the meantime you can register your interest here.

It’s the UK in August… so pack for sun and showers. Most main areas are under cover, and the ground drains well, but bring waterproofs just in case.

Yes, well behaved dogs are allowed on site, but are not permitted within buildings or marquees. If tied up outside they must not obstruct any entrance, nor be in a position where they might impede access for dog phobic or allergic attendees. Assistance dogs are of course allowed anywhere the owner requires their assistance.

It is part of our contract with the showground that fire pits and campfires are not allowed. The cost of any fire damage to the grass for example by using disposable barbecues on the ground will be charged to the event potentially increasing next year’s ticket prices, so please take care.

The nearest stations are Newark Northgate on the East Coast main line, and Newark Castle. Unfortunately there is no viable bus connection to the site so taxi or arranging for someone to collect you from the station is the only option for the last part of the journey.

There is no public Wi-Fi available on the site, but the mobile phone coverage is quite good so using a phone hotspot is going to be your best option.

Rainbow H.E. Events is a company limited by guarantee, run entirely by volunteers from the home education community. The board members have substantial experience running large festivals for the home education community. Every penny goes back into making the event happen.