Explore the magical world of the Dragonfly Festival at Castle Espie this summer
This summer get ready to explore activities that celebrate the wonderful world of dragonflies at Castle Espie, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, at the first Dragonfly Festival. From 21 June to 22 September, festival goers are invited to let their imagination run wild, enjoy an immersive experience in wetland nature featuring a dazzling line-up of dragonfly-themed events and activities all summer long.
Everyone from young and young-at-heart can follow, zip, dart and flutter their way to a great adventure and enjoy expert-guided walks exploring the secret lives of dragonflies that dwell in one of the UK’s blue spaces or enjoy the spectacular wild outdoor adventure area. Go pond dipping and discover the wonderful world of minibeasts living below the surface or take part in dragonfly challenges and giant outdoor dragonfly-themed games.
Headliners at the first Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie include: craft your very own eco-friendly pet dragonfly, relax to the soothing sounds of local musicians Daniel Halleron and Mark Hamilton during the Sunday music sessions, and immerse yourself in a tranquil sound bath with Tessa Ann. Let imaginations soar with shimmering dragonfly crafts, stretch and flutter through a fun-filled mini beast yoga session, and don’t miss a magical encounter with Bella Butterfly who will be ready for photos, friendly chats and spreading her love of wildflowers and pollinators.
As part of an ongoing volunteer relationship WWT Castle Espie and Strides Day Opportunities Service (DOS), who provide opportunities and experiences for young adults with additional needs aged between 19-30yrs in Bangor, Ards and across North Down to develop their potential to work towards supported employment, worked together to provide colourful festival dressings which will be located around WWT Castle Espie for festivalgoers to enjoy as they participate in the Dragonfly Festival. Strides DOS person-centred approach empowers these adults to learn, develop socially and stay active physically.
Paul Stewart, Centre Manager at WWT Castle Espie, said: “WWT Castle Espie is looking forward to our first Dragonfly Festival. WWT Castle Espie is a fantastic place to see species such as damselflies and dragonflies, and we hope many will take this opportunity to enjoy the amazing array of activities we have on offer this summer. We are also delighted that the young adults from our volunteer partner Strides Day Opportunities Service were able to help us prepare for the festival and I am sure everyone will enjoy the spectacular and colourful contribution they have made to the Dragonfly festival.”
Strides Director, Robert McGowan added: “We are delighted to have been involved in the design of the dressings used for the first Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie! When the invite came from Education Officer John McCullough, everyone was very excited, and the planning began! The group have loved the whole process; getting together to do some research online, chatting about all our ideas, sketching and then finally recreating it all on the festival dressings. Well done everyone at Team Strides; you can all be very proud of your efforts!”
Participation in the WWT Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie is included with the price of admission and is free to WWT members. Festival visitors booking online in advance, can take advantage of a 10% reduction in ticket prices. There are also reduced-price tickets (£5 per adult or £3 per child) for anyone who is in receipt of Universal Credit and Pension Credit. These must be pre-booked up to one day before the visit day. More information and a full what’s on calendar for the WWT Dragonfly Festival at Castle Espie visit https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espi...
