Fill your summer with flying colours at Dragonfly Festival
This summer sees the return of the vibrant Dragonfly Festival to WWT Washington Wetland Centre - back and more colourful than ever for 2026!
Dragonflies are the oldest winged insects on earth and these fascinating ancient creatures have been soaring through the skies above wetlands for 400 million years.
Throughout the summer holidays, families can learn more about them and see them in all their colourful glory thanks to a packed calendar of immersive outdoor activities, dazzling performances and brilliant dragonfly themed fun – all set within WWT Washington’s spectacular wetlands.
Running all summer long from 18 July-31 August, visitors can soak in the bright Dragonfly Festival vibes as they:
- Follow a unique trail and watch zipping, darting dragonflies weave the through the sky
- Enjoy the sounds of music on the summer breeze at live buskers events
- Immerse themselves in a dragonfly dome experience
- Meet unusual moths up close during special moth mornings
- Take part in giant outdoor games
- Get into the groove at silent discos
- Dig in the dirt with mini beast hunts
- Have a go at den building
- Discover the world underwater with pond dipping
- Get hands-on with themed arts and crafts
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.
Gill Pipes, centre manager at WWT Washington, said: “So many different species of dragonfly and damselfly can be spotted at WWT Washington during the warmer months, including banded demoiselle, broad-bodied chaser and the regionally rare willow emerald damselfly – which bred on site for the first time last year (pic below).
“Dragonfly Festival is a fantastic way to celebrate these incredible insects while inspiring more people to explore our wetlands.
“And with different events and activities throughout the holidays, families can enjoy something new all summer long.”
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 Washington’s Dragonfly Festival offers families the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience wetlands at their most vibrant.
Want to visit Dragonfly Festival this summer?
Book your tickets online in advance to receive 10% off admission.
