Last Chance To Enjoy Dragonfly Festival At WWT Arundel

Families have just over a week left to enjoy a colourful celebration of nature at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, with the Dragonfly Festival continuing until the end of the month.

More than 10,000 people have already visited the festival this summer, which celebrates the fascinating world of wetlands and one of their most striking residents.

The event runs until 31 August, with plenty still planned for the final days of the school holidays.

Families can begin their visit at the Dragonfly Festival hub before heading out across the wetlands to discover a range of activities and wildlife.

Among the highlights are live music by the water, face painting and Pondemonium Silent Discos, where visitors can take to the dance floor and move like a dragonfly.

There are also opportunities to get out on the water with dragonfly canoe safaris, while guided walking safaris offer another chance to spot the insects darting across the wetlands.

Young visitors can get stuck into pond dipping to discover a whole host of minibeasts, while giant outdoor games provide a chance to test their agility.

There are also guided walks with wetland experts, giving visitors an insight into the secretive lives of dragonflies and why these insects are so important to their environment.

Throughout the summer, the festival has also featured circus performers, science shows, storytelling and arts and crafts.

Claire Hogben from WWT Arundel says there's still time to make the most of the festival before the summer holidays are over.

She said:

“With the Dragonfly Festival entering its final weeks, now is the perfect time for families to come and see these amazing insects across our wetlands before the summer holidays come to an end.

“Dragonfly Festival is all about getting families closer to nature, discovering the superpowers of wetlands and experiencing something exciting with every visit.”

Dragonflies are highly effective aerial predators, with shimmering wings and unusual life cycles, and the festival is designed to highlight their role in healthy wetland ecosystems.

WWT Arundel is a 65-acre wildlife haven in the South Downs National Park, where visitors can also see species including Dalmatian pelicans, diving ducks, kingfishers, herons and little egrets.

The wetland centre's reedbed is one of the largest in Sussex and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Tickets start at £14.63 for adults, £13.28 for concessions and £40.77 for a family ticket, with cheaper admission available when tickets are booked online in advance.

The Dragonfly Festival runs until Monday 31 August.