Dazzling dragonfly festival returns to Slimbridge Wetland Centre this summer

Dive into the magical world of dragonflies at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, with a packed summer programme of nature experiences and family activities to celebrate the iridescent insects that call Gloucestershire's wetlands home.

By Chloe Gorman  |  Published
Dragonfly Festival at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre's dazzling Dragonfly Festival returns this summer 2026. Image © Sam Walker.

Discover a summer of dragonfly-themed events at Slimbridge Wetland Centre when its dazzling Dragonfly Festival returns this summer 2026.

What to expect from Slimbridge Wetland Centre's Dragonfly Festival?

With wetland centres being some of the best places to see dragonflies in the wild, Slimbridge's Dragonfly Festival allows visitors to learn all about these fascinating creatures and see them in their natural habitat.

There are Dragonfly Science Shows which demonstrate how dragonflies see and fly, a Dragonfly Drone Course where visitors can see through a dragonfly's eyes by piloting a mini drone through a specially designed course, and even Dragonfly Safaris, where explorers can look out for Slimbridge's resident dragonflies, have a go at pond dipping, or take to the water on a canoe. 

Creative kids can enjoy dragonfly-themed arts and crafts, while energetic little ones will love channelling their inner dragonfly through circus skills workshops and a waterside silent disco.

When is Slimbridge Wetland Centre's Dragonfly Festival?

The Dragonfly Festival is at Slimbridge Wetland Centre from Saturday 18 July until Thursday 3 September 2026.

How much are tickets to Slimbridge Wetland Centre's Dragonfly Festival?

The Dragonfly Festival is included within the price of general admission to Slimbridge Wetland Centre, which costs from £17.91 for adults, from £16.02 for young adults aged 18 to 24, and from £11.84 for juniors aged three to 17, with children under three able to visit for free.

Book online in advance to receive a 10 per cent discount off pay-on-the-day prices.

Additional costs apply for Canoe and Wild Safaris.

How to book tickets to Slimbridge Wetland Centre's Dragonfly Festival?

For more information, and to book tickets, visit wwt.org.uk/dragonfly-festival-at-slimbridge-wetland-centre.

Event

Dragonfly Festival at Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Dates

Saturday 18 July to Thursday 3 September 2026

Times

The Dragonfly Festival is on during Slimbridge's standard opening hours of 9.30am to 5.30pm

Admission

Free with general admission

Telephone

01453 891900

In partnership with Slimbridge Wetland Centre  |  wwt.org.uk/slimbridge

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