Giant puppets and parades
Be amazed as spectacular giant puppets swoop into the wetlands.
Join us for a magical day of giant puppets, family activities and creative mask-making workshops.
Watch breathtaking giant bird and dragonfly puppets from The Fetch Theatre swoop through the wetlands, bringing nature to life. Meet the magnificent dragonfly, heron and kingfisher as they parade around the reserve, delighting visitors of all ages.
Children can get creative in our mask-making workshops, inspired by wetland wildlife, as part of the festival fun. There will also be face painting available, making this a perfect family day out during the summer holidays.
Giant Puppet Parade Times
The Fetch Theatre's giant puppet walkabouts will take place across the main Welney reserve and Lady Fen at the following times:
- 10:30am to 11:30am
- 12:00pm to 12:30pm
- 1:30pm to 2:30pm
- 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Kingfisher Mask-Making Workshops
Create your own kingfisher mask in Lady Fen:
- 11:00am to 12:30pm
- 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Spaces are limited to 30 participants per workshop. Please book your place at the admissions desk on arrival.
Face Painting
Face painting will be available from:
- 11:00am to 1:00pm
Festival hub - alongside our headliners
Drop-in Indian Block Printing with Sue Welfare. Create your own unique textile design using beautifully hand-carved Indian printing blocks inspired by birds, dragonflies and wetland wildlife.
Get creative at this relaxed, family-friendly workshop inspired by the wildlife of our wetlands. Bring along your own light coloured plain cotton item –a T-shirt, a tote bag or tea towel, shirt or a pale denim jacket - anything made from natural fibres – and transform it with beautiful hand-carved Indian printing blocks.
No experience needed. Drop in, print, and take home something uniquely yours.
(There will be small selection of blank textiles available on the day.)
- 10:30am to 4:00pm
Viking Optics (Saturday only)
- 10:30am to 4:00pm
Drop-in Storytelling and Crafts with Author Elaine Macdonald and Artist Steve Kershaw. Meet the brilliant pair behind Tammy the Tansy Beetle Children's Book. Elaine will also introduce you to Elvie the Eel Children's Book.
- 11.30am to 12.30pm, 2 to 3pm - Storytelling and Crafts
- 10:30am to 11:30am and 12noon to 2pm - Drop-in Activities
GIANT outdoor games available throughout the day - self-led
Explore our wetlands
Dragonfly expert David Chandler (Saturday only). Join David in the search for dragonflies and damselflies, with some top tips for enjoying and capturing these incredible insects through macro photography. Bring your own phone or camera to have a go yourself, we would only suggest that you bring close-focus binoculars if you have them to spot and watch these insects while out with David.
- 11:30am to 12:30pm
- 1pm to 2pm
- 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Spaces are limited to 6 participants per session. Please book your place at the admissions desk on arrival.
Guided walks
- 11:30am to 12:30pm
- 2pm to 3pm
Spaces are limited to 15 participants per walk. Please book your place at the admissions desk on arrival.
Guided pond dipping
- 10:30am to 12noon
- 1pm to 3pm
Dragonfly trail available throughout the day - self-led
Event Information
This event is part of the Dragonfly Festival at WWT Welney Wetland Centre, celebrating the fascinating world of dragonflies and wetland wildlife through family-friendly activities, creative experiences and unforgettable outdoor performances.
Ready to visit?
With so many wildlife encounters and inspiring activities, no two visits are the same. A visit also supports our vital work to restore wetlands and their wildlife.
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