This summer, WWT Llanelli celebrates the return of its Dragonfly Festival, back and more colourful than ever. Running throughout the summer holidays, the festival brings dazzling performances, vibrant outdoor activities and brilliant family fun to our local wetlands.

Running from 18 July to 31 August, visitors can enjoy live music by the water’s edge, see bubbleologists fill the air with shimmering colours, try their hand at circus skills, create dragonfly arts and crafts, have their faces painted in bright dragonfly designs, or even take a canoe safari to watch zipping, darting dragonflies weave their colours through the sky. Dragonfly Festival offers families a summer of memory making – all set within WWT Llanelli’s spectacular wetlands.

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.

Jessica Thompson, spokesperson at WWT Llanelli said:

“23 species of dragonfly can be spotted at WWT Llanelli during the warmer months, including the Black-tailed Skimmer and mighty Emperor, and the Dragonfly Festival is a fantastic way to celebrate these incredible insects while inspiring more people to explore our wetlands. With different headliners throughout the holidays, families can enjoy something new all summer long.”

Festival highlights at WWT Llanelli include a vibrant programme of activities taking place across the summer:

Special summer headliners – including musicians, circus performers, bubbleologists, science shows, wooden sculpture carving, facepainting, live dragonfly caricatures, and bilingual story time sessions accompanied by harp, bringing bursts of colour, sound and energy to the festival.
Giant outdoor games – dragonfly-themed fun for all ages, with vibrant activities across the wetlands.
Creative craft workshops – from wing-making to dazzling dragonfly artwork and festival bracelets to take home.
Dragonfly safaris – search for dragonflies by canoe, kayak, or on foot with walks guided by wetland wildlife specialists. Please note that there is an additional charge for canoe or kayak hire.
Daily 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.
Macrophotography workshops – capture the vivid colours and intricate details of these iridescent insects.

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 Llanelli’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 at wwt.org.uk/llanelli

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