Pestival Turns 20
In 2006, Pestival began with a simple idea: what if insects were not something to swat away, but something to celebrate?
Since then, Pestival has grown into an international festival exploring the creativity, ingenuity and strange brilliance of the insect world through art, science, music, film and performance. From edible insects and microscopic photography to immersive installations and talks with leading entomologists, Pestival has spent two decades asking audiences to look again at the small creatures that shape our planet.
Insects pollinate our food, recycle nutrients, build cities underground and communicate in ways we are only just beginning to understand. They are engineers, farmers, chemists and architects. Pestival exists to shine a light on that extraordinary world and to bring together artists and scientists who share a fascination with it.
Over the past twenty years Pestival has hosted exhibitions, talks, performances and collaborations across the UK and internationally, working with museums, universities, artists, researchers and communities who are curious about the hidden ecosystems all around us.
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2026, we’re looking both backwards and forwards.
Backwards, to the artists, scientists, partners and audiences who have helped shape Pestival since its beginnings.
Forwards, to the next generation of creative collaborations that explore insects not only as subjects of study, but as inspiration for new ways of thinking about ecology, culture and the living world.
There will be new projects, special events, collaborations and stories shared throughout the year as we mark two decades of insect eco-entertainment.
More bugs. More love. More life.
In 2006, Pestival began with a simple idea: what if insects were not something to swat away, but something to celebrate?
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