Fill your summer with flying colours as Dragonfly Festival returns to Martin Mere
This summer, WWT – the wetland charity – celebrates the return of its Dragonfly Festival, back and more colourful than ever. Running throughout the summer holidays at WWT Martin Mere, the festival brings dazzling performances, vibrant outdoor activities and brilliant family fun to a wetland centre near you.
Running from 18 July until 31 August at Martin Mere, visitors can show off their best dragonfly moves at the daily bubble party, search for giant dragonfly sculptures around the grounds, learn weird and wonderful facts at a science show, and much more. Dragonfly Festival offers families a summer of memory making – all set within WWT’s spectacular wetlands.
Visitors will begin their adventure at a vibrant festival hub, where colourful flags signal a day of discovery and the chance for imaginations to take flight.
Festival highlights at WWT Martin Mere include a vibrant programme of activities taking place across the summer:
Special summer headliners – including circus performers, bubble parties, science shows, story time sessions, and a giant dragonfly hunt adding bursts of colour and energy to the festival.
Giant outdoor games – dragonfly-themed fun for all ages, where families and friends can compete against each other in hoopla, dragonfly jumping, and more for the number one spot.
Dragonfly safaris – search for dragonflies by canoe or on foot, guided by wetland wildlife specialists.
Pond dipping sessions – explore the hidden world beneath the water’s surface and uncover a kaleidoscope of minibeasts.
Bug hunts – discover the tiny, brilliantly coloured creatures that call wetlands home.
Dragonfly expert walks – learn about their underwater beginnings and aerobatic flights.
Evidence shows that connecting with nature helps children feel happier, boosts their self esteem and supports both their physical and mental health. Hands on outdoor experiences like these also help young people build confidence, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Dragonflies are among wetlands’ most beautiful species – agile aerial hunters with shimmering wings and remarkable life cycles that begin underwater before transforming into masters of the air. The festival shines a spotlight on their vital role in healthy wetland ecosystems and the importance of protecting the habitats they depend on.
With a full summer of discovery, play and outdoor adventure, WWT Martin Mere’s Dragonfly Festival offers families the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience wetlands at their most vibrant.
More information and a full what’s‑on guide for the Dragonfly Festival can be found via our Dragonfly Festival homepage.
