Overview
On January 13, 2024, GLOM presented Chiang Mai’s newest and most imaginative Children’s Day festival at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center. From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, families experienced a unique celebration packed with interactive performances, creative workshops, and hands-on activities that went far beyond traditional children’s entertainment.
The inaugural GLOM GLOM! Children’s Festival brought together local artists, musicians, performers, and families for an afternoon and evening of sensory-rich experiences, proving that live performance art for children can be both magical and meaningful.
The Story: The Pom Pom People
Theme Concept
The festival’s narrative centered around The Pom Pom People – giant, fuzzy, multi-talented balls of fluff who faced a terrible problem: they were WAY TOO DIFFERENT and couldn’t get along!
Interactive Storytelling
Rather than passive observers, children and families became the heroes of the story. Throughout the day, participants:
- Braved the Bubble Hurricane – An immersive installation that challenged courage and teamwork
- Sang Their Hearts Out – Group singing activities that contributed to solving the conflict
- Discovered the Pom Pom Song – The magical tune that united the characters and saved the show
This participatory narrative created a through-line for the entire festival, giving meaning and connection to the diverse activities offered throughout the day.
Festival Activities
🎵 Musical Performances
Main Stage Concert
As the sun set over the Chiang Mai mountains, the festival transformed into a full-scale sing-along, dance-along concert featuring:
Live Music Acts:
- Ming & SuperRich – High-energy performance blending traditional and contemporary sounds
- Solar System – Cosmic-themed children’s music
- TAE SimonG – Local favorite with interactive songs
- Apichat Pakwan – Traditional instruments meet modern melodies
- BaanTuek SuperBoogie – Dance party extraordinaire
The concert featured family-friendly favorites, complete with daring dancers, aerial acrobats, and plenty of silly slapstick comedy that had children and adults laughing together.
Open Mic Stage
A dedicated acoustic stage gave children the opportunity to step into the spotlight. Young performers shared songs, poems, and performances in a supportive, encouraging environment – building confidence and celebrating each child’s unique talents.
🎭 Theatrical Performances
Roaming Performers
Throughout the venue, surprise performances popped up around every corner:
Featured Artists:
- SAIPA FireArts Family – Safe, mesmerizing fire performance art adapted for family audiences
- Max du Soleil – Circus arts and acrobatic entertainment
- ThunderBug! – High-energy character performance with interactive elements
- Mali the Flamenco Dancer – Passionate dance demonstrations and mini-lessons
Hidden Theatre
Secret theatrical performances were tucked into unexpected spaces throughout the venue, rewarding curious explorers with intimate storytelling experiences. These surprise shows created moments of wonder and discovery throughout the day.
🛝 The Pom Pom Playground
GLOM GLOM! Pop-up Playground
The festival’s signature attraction, previously seen at Citylife Garden Fair and CMIS Christmas Market, made its most elaborate appearance yet. This custom-designed play space featured:
- Safe, creative climbing structures
- Sensory play zones
- Collaborative games and challenges
- Pom Pom themed installations
The playground served as both entertainment and a physical representation of the festival’s theme – a space where “different” elements came together to create something magical.
🎨 Creative Workshops
Hands-on Making Stations
Children rotated through various creative workshops, each designed to build skills while supporting the festival’s narrative:
Workshop Menu:
- Pom Pom Making – Creating fuzzy friends to take home
- Instrument Building – Constructing simple musical instruments from recycled materials
- Costume Design – Crafting wearable art and character pieces
- Play Doh Sculpting – Open-ended creative expression
Each workshop was led by experienced facilitators who encouraged experimentation and celebrated each child’s unique creative choices.
🎪 Roaming Entertainment
Interactive Performers
Magicians – Close-up magic and illusions throughout the venue
Balloon Artists – Custom creations on request, from animals to fantastical creatures
Face Painters – Transforming children into characters, animals, and abstract art
Hair Braiders – Creating festival-ready hairstyles with colorful additions
📸 Photo Opportunities
Photo Booth Station – Themed backdrops and props allowed families to capture memories in the world of the Pom Pom People
Instagram-Worthy Installations – Carefully designed photo moments throughout the venue encouraged families to document and share their experience
🍕 Food & Beverage
Family Dining
A curated selection of food vendors offered:
- Kid-friendly meal options
- Healthy snack alternatives
- Local Chiang Mai specialties
- Vegetarian and dietary accommodation options
Parent’s Bar
Recognizing that parents need refreshment too, a dedicated bar area offered:
- Local craft beers
- Wine selection
- Specialty non-alcoholic beverages
- Comfortable seating for adult conversation
The GLOM Approach
About GLOM
GLOM is a groundbreaking Chiang Mai-based theatre company founded in 2022 with a mission to redefine live performance art in Northern Thailand. Rather than traditional stage productions, GLOM creates direct sensory experiences that push boundaries and expand creative possibilities.
Festival Philosophy
The Children’s Festival embodied GLOM’s core values:
Interactivity Over Observation – Children actively participate rather than passively watch
Sensory Richness – Engaging all five senses for deeper connection
Narrative Integration – Story provides meaning to diverse activities
Community Building – Bringing together local artists, families, and performers
Accessible Excellence – Professional-quality experiences at family-friendly prices
Event Logistics
Venue
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center
- Historic location with character and charm
- Multiple indoor and outdoor spaces
- Ample parking and accessibility
- Google Maps
Date & Time
- Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024 (Children’s Day)
- Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Duration: 6 hours of continuous programming
Attendance & Tickets
- Ticket Prices: Adults 500 THB | Children 200 THB
- Ticketing Platform: Ticket Melon
- Door Sales: Limited tickets available on-site
- Expected Attendance: 800+ participants
Community Impact
Supporting Local Artists
The festival provided paid performance opportunities for over 15-20 local Chiang Mai artists, musicians, and performers, demonstrating GLOM’s commitment to sustaining the local creative economy.
Family Connection
In an increasingly digital world, GLOM GLOM! offered families a phone-free, imagination-filled alternative that prioritized real-world connection, creative play, and shared experiences.
Children’s Day Reimagined
Rather than typical Children’s Day activities (shopping mall events, school performances), the festival presented a new model – professional-quality, artistically ambitious programming specifically designed for young audiences.
Looking Forward
The success of GLOM GLOM! Children’s Festival 2024 established a new tradition for Chiang Mai families. The overwhelming positive response confirmed the community’s appetite for innovative, high-quality children’s programming.
GLOM GLOM! Children’s Festival will return.