Mine have done that and I think they are trying to get more light away from the fence. They also benefit from staking.

Commomile is correct. They are straining for more sunlight.

Looks like some kind of physical damage--severe winds, etc.--during the spike development. I notice that you keep long-handled tools nearby. It is possible that one (or more) of them fell over at a critical moment. A light thrips infestation can also cause that sort of damage.

Thanks for answers but they are in direct sunlight and no I don't keep tools by them at all maybe better stakes next time oh well never mind I'll try and find out why they growing like this .

Agree with Tug - thrips is probably the cause.

Rhian, I found this info.:

Gladiolus prefer full sun, at least six hours per day. Average garden soil with pH between 5.5 and 8.5 is fine

The site should be moist but well-drained. Irrigation may be necessary if rainfall is insufficient. Glads should receive one inch of water per week. If they do not receive enough water, the flower spikes will grow crooked. Take care not to over-water.

Thank you for your help I think your properly right Tug and Bamboo I googled thrips and they certainly have all the same Symptoms, don't think I'll bother growing them next year , thanks all fellow gardeners for your help

That's interesting ShirleyTulip! I wonder why they do that.

No idea Stera! One of my Glads has been knocked over, possibly by a very fat Pigeon ...

Thrips chew on the growing cells of a plant just before they start to elongate. Enough damage to the side of a young stem will keep that side from elongating as it should, and cause it to curl in that direction. Also makes leaves and flower petals ruffle and curl. Visible evidence would be a scar--much like we form over a wound--on the shrunken side.