New art installation celebrates the superpowers of dragonflies at WWT Llanelli
A new art installation will open at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre in Carmarthenshire on Saturday, 26 July 2025, to highlight the magical and extraordinary world of dragonflies.
Iridescence, by artists and architects Tony Broomhead and Nicky Kirk, is set over water and features iridescent floating sculptures composed of wing-like forms that mimic the beating rhythm of dragonfly wings. The installation invites visitors to observe the beauty, grace, and importance of dragonflies—and the wetlands they call home.
The installation was selected as the winning commission from an open call by WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, which sought artistic proposals inspired by the beauty and wonder of dragonflies that live in wetlands.
WWT Llanelli is a haven for 22 species of dragonflies and damselflies in South Wales, and the new installation is a highlight of this summer’s inaugural WWT Dragonfly Festival, running until 22 September.
As festival goers move past the installation, the iridescent wings capture the light and vibrate with the natural movement of the wind, offering a uniquely immersive sensory experience for everyone attending the Dragonfly Festival.
Artist and architect Tony Broomhead said: “We are thrilled to have worked with WWT on this installation. It is tailored to the unique characteristics of WWT Llanelli, a coastal reserve that highlights the dynamic interplay between land and sea. It has given us a powerful and distinct context for exploring the dragonfly’s adaptability and its role in vital wetland ecosystems.
“Both Nicky and I have long been captivated by dragonflies – nature’s aerial acrobats – whose shimmering wings and delicate presence embody transformation, balance, and resilience. Iridescence is our response to their quiet power and is an installation that captures their magic in a wetlands setting.
“Through this installation, we hope to inspire connection, awareness, and conservation through a shared experience that speaks to the wonder of nature and the urgency of protecting it.”
Centre Manager at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, Jo Jones, said: “This commission was an opportunity to draw attention to the often-overlooked beauty and fragility of dragonflies and the environment they inhabit. It brings them into the light, beautifully.
“Our centre is designed to bring people closer to nature and this new installation is another way to experience the superpowers of wetlands. We hope it will create memorable moments of pause and reflection during our Dragonfly Festival.”
On the day of unveiling, both artists will be present, and visitors are invited to create their own dragonflies throughout the day to join a special parade at 1 pm. There will also be dragonfly face painting and a poetry reading by Osian Lewis. Everything is included in the entrance ticket price, which is free for WWT members.
The WWT Dragonfly Festival is currently running and invites festival goers and nature lovers to come together and explore the magical world of dragonflies, and the wetlands they call home, up close.
The festival line-up includes safari canoe trips, craft workshops, pond dipping, dragonfly spotting challenges and giant outdoor dragonfly-themed games. Headline acts include string puppet theatre shows, music performances, a macrophotography exhibition, kite-making workshops, bubbleologists, and much, much more.
