Pestival London

Celebrate all things that buzz, creep and crawl at the 2009 Pestival London event at the Southbank Centre, which focuses on the human interaction and reliance on insects in the worlds of science and the arts. From a slow food market bursting with produce that was originally pollinated by insects to live music performances and art exhibitions, there's plenty of minibeast themed activities to keep all ages entertained throughout the festival.

Slow Food Market London

Pestival London
Who says mammals are all that? With insects accounting for a whopping 80 percent of all animals on earth, the organisers behind the Pestival London festival think it's high time we show these incredibly diverse creatures some much needed love. The three day festival at the Southbank Centre features insect inspired architecture, fashion events, comedy, workshops and experiments, all in celebration of the vital role that insects play in the continuing existence of humankind and our ecosystem.

Free events
A huge number of the Pestival London events are free to attend, so you can take part in many of the science and art activities even if you're on a tight budget. Talk a walk through the Termite Pavilion to see how contemporary architects have drawn inspiration from the engineering skills of insects, or visit the urban insect garden on the Clore Ballroom Balcony to get some expert tips on how to encourage more creepy crawlies into your garden.

Family friendly activities
Sure to be a hit with both kids and fun loving adults, a team from the London Wetland Centre will be on hand with their explainer tanks on Queen's Walk to show off the amazing water insects making a home from themselves in the River Thames. The talks take place on Saturday and Sunday, on the hour, every hour from 12pm. Also paying a visit to Queen's Walk over the weekend will be the Insect Circus Museum, with a range of costumes, props, puppets and toys available from 10am - 7pm.

Art and science events
Also on offer at the Southbank Centre's insect festival is the chance to meet the forensic entomolgy team from the Natural History Museum to talk about the role that insect experts play in helping the police investigate cases of suspicious death. Art fans can also see maggots painting in the Blue Room, and Robyn Hitchcock and friends will be playing a selection of insect related songs in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday 4th September.

The Pestival London events at the Southbank Centre run from Friday 4th September - Sunday 6th September 2009. Many, but not all, events are free. For more information on tickets and the full programme of events, click on the link below.

Southbank Centre Official Site

Science Museum Lates

Dressed to Kill Exhibition London

Thames Festival

Turner Prize at Tate Britain

Frieze Art Fair London

Points of View Exhibition London

Photography Exhibition at British Library

Turner and the Masters Exhibition

The Scoop Film Season

Made in Clerkenwell

London Jazz Festival

Origin at Somerset House

Cirque du Soleil London

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