PRESS RELEASE
Family activity day on Saturday 27 June celebrating the fascinating world of insects
The RES Insect Garden in East London will play a leading role in Insect Week 2026, the UK’s biggest celebration of insects, as the Royal Entomological Society (RES) kicks off a nationwide programme of free insect-themed events and activities from 22–28 June.
Families, schools and nature lovers across London are invited to get up close to the fascinating world of insects through a range of hands-on activities to be held on Saturday 27 June in the RES Insect Garden in Stratford Cross.
Visitors will have the chance to discover insects through bug hunts and family-friendly learning experiences.
The RES Insect Garden is located at the gateway to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, providing a free-access public space providing a habitat for insects in an urban setting.
It began life as a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2023 designed by award-winning designer Tom Massey to showcase the vital role insects play in our world. Relocated to Stratford Cross, it has become a thriving haven for insects and an inspirational education hub that will inspire a new generation of insect scientists.
This is one of five dedicated hub venues established to lead activities during in the Royal Entomological Society’s expanded Insect Week programme, which will bring free insect-themed events, activities and experiences to communities across the UK and Ireland this June.
Insect Week is the UK’s largest celebration of insects and the vital role they play in sustaining life on Earth. Under the banner “Stand Tall for the Small”, the week-long programme encourages people of all ages to discover the extraordinary diversity of insects and learn more about the species that support ecosystems, food production and biodiversity.
Professor Jane Stout FRES, President of the Royal Entomological Society, said:
“Insects are fundamental to healthy ecosystems and our everyday lives, yet many species are under increasing pressure. Insect Week is an opportunity to celebrate their extraordinary diversity and inspire people to notice, value and protect them. By expanding into city hubs across the UK and Ireland, we hope to reach even more communities and create lasting connections with the natural world.”
This programme of events has been made possible thanks to generous funding from the Big Give and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The support enables the Royal Entomological Society and its partners to deliver free public events that make insect science more accessible, inclusive and inspiring for everyone.
Fran Sconce FRES, Senior Outreach & Learning Officer at the Royal Entomological Society, said:
“We want Insect Week 2026 to be bigger, more inclusive and more accessible than ever before. Whether someone is discovering insects for the very first time or already passionate about nature, these city hubs will offer exciting opportunities to explore, learn and get involved.”
Alongside the RES-run events programme, hundreds of partner-led events, competitions, online activities and educational resources will take place across the UK and beyond during Insect Week.
Schools, families and community groups are encouraged to join the nationwide celebration using #StandTallForTheSmall.
For more information about events during Insect Week 2026 visit:
www.royensoc.co.uk/insectweek-city-hubs
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Notes to editors
About the Royal Entomological Society
The Royal Entomological Society is devoted to the understanding and development of insect science. RES supports international collaboration, research and publication, and aims to show every person how remarkable and valuable insects are.
Further information: royensoc.co.uk
About Insect Week 2026
Organised by the Royal Entomological Society and supported by partner organisations throughout the UK and Europe, Insect Week is a celebration of all things insect. Wherever you live, it’s an opportunity to take part in insect science, get to know insects, learn from experts, and have fun. Insect Week 2026 takes place from 22–28 June under the strapline ‘Stand Tall for the Small’.
Further information: insectweek.org.
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