This May Bank Holiday, WWT London comes alive with a Migration Festival from 2 to 4 May, celebrating the journeys of spring birds and the vibrant rhythms, flavours, and stories of West African culture.
“Migration is one of the most remarkable phenomena in nature, linking continents, cultures and communities,” says Adam Salmon, Reserve Manager at WWT London. “Our Migration Festival is a chance for visitors to experience these incredible journeys first hand, celebrate the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, and discover how conservation connects us all.”
This three‑day festival blends music, dance, food, storytelling, crafts, and wildlife experiences, offering a lively programme. Across the weekend, the reserve will host hands-on workshops and performances that highlight the deep connections between people, culture, and nature.
Spring brings an exciting wave of migratory birds to the wetlands, including sand martins, swifts, yellow wagtails, common terns, chiffchaffs, and a variety of warblers, many travelling thousands of miles from West Africa. The festival shines a spotlight on these long‑distance travellers, helping visitors explore the powerful links between nature, culture, and migration.
Festival Highlights
Djembe Drumming with African Activities: Join inclusive, hands-on sessions celebrating the vibrant rhythms of West Africa.
West African Storytelling with African Activities: Interactive tales told through rhythm, movement and call-and-response.
Sustainable Crafts (Bottles into Birds) with African Activities: Turn recycled materials into colourful bird creations.
Dance & Drumming with Wuntanara: High-energy workshops introducing traditional West African dance.
Jollof Rice Cooking Workshop with Shirley: Discover how to cook this iconic dish and explore its cultural connections.
Meet the Storks: Encounter the centre’s resident storks up close.
Migratory Walk with a Warden: Explore the reserve in search of spring arrivals, finishing at the Sand Martin bank.
Become a Guardian of the Wild: A family puppet show and nature-challenge adventure featuring Ava, the half-osprey, half-girl conservation hero.
The Migration Festival offers visitors of all ages a unique opportunity to explore wildlife, culture, and global connection, all in one inspiring May bank holiday weekend.
