Schools Get Creative Designing Flags for New WWT Dragonfly Festival

A team of enthusiastic creatives from two North East schools were invited to design a pair of festival flags that will fly high for all to see at the first-ever WWT Dragonfly Festival, which is taking place all throughout the summer holidays at WWT Washington Wetland Centre.

Children from West Denton Primary School in Newcastle and Brighton Avenue Primary School in Gateshead rose to the challenge, letting their imagination fly. Their creative talents are now proudly displayed at WWT Washington as part of their Dragonfly Festival. Thousands of visitors are expected for the summer-long festival, which will celebrate the dazzling world of dragonflies and offer a brand-new immersive experience in wetland nature.

Liz McHatton, teacher at West Denton Primary School commented: “Our children found this project exciting and relaxing, and they were proud to have the opportunity to be part of it.

“The very fact that their work is going on public display is a huge opportunity to show off their talents and the finished flag was just amazing. But the biggest thing of all was that it was fun and full of enjoyment for the children.”

At Brighton Avenue School, children enjoyed getting stuck into the project, learning more about dragonflies and other nature, which showed on their final flag.

Joanne Newbury, Learning Manager at WWT Washington Wetland Centre said: “We’re delighted that West Denton Primary School and Brighton Avenue Primary School were able to collaborate with us and design such a creative and eye-catching set of flags for our very first Dragonfly Festival.

“We know that wetland nature provides an abundance of inspiration for creative activities and WWT Washington Wetland Centre is home to 20 species of dragonfly during the summer.

“These flags not only represent the community spirit that’s here, but how much these wondrous creatures mean to us all. They will fly high with pride, so that thousands of visitors can enjoy them all summer.”

The WWT Dragonfly Festival, taking place until 22 September, invites festival goers, young and young-at-heart to come together and explore the magical world of dragonflies up-close.

Uncovering the secret lives of dragonflies that dwell here at WWT Washington, visitors will learn that there’s more to wetlands than meets the eye. They can take an expert guided safari walk, design their own dragonfly masterpiece, go pond dipping to discover the wonderful world of underwater minibeasts or they can take part in dragonfly spotting challenges!

Fun headline events are also being offered to festival-goers, who can take part in special family fun days over the summer holidays where dragonfly-themed stilt walkers and bubbleologists join forces to entertain the crowds, while face painting adds colour to the day and interactive activities bringing the nature vibe to visitors of all ages. There’s a special silent disco weekend planned too - a fantastic family experience all round!

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