Norwich Dragon Festival is underway celebrating the history of dragons and links to the city with a wide array of activities and events - many of them free. SIMON PARKIN picks some highlights.
Dragon Egg Trail
Norwich City Centre, February 12-27, free admission.
Dragons have laid eggs all around the city. Use the free trail map to spot them. Download a map from heritagecity.org/dragonfestival or pick one up from Norwich Tourist Information Centre.
Dragons in Camera
Assembly House, February 12-27, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm, free admission, 01603 626402.
Local photographer Vini Pereira will mount a photography exhibition which captures dragons on display around Norwich's historic buildings in a fresh and original way.
Dreigiau Cochion ac Eraill
The Archive Centre, February 16, 1pm-1.45pm, free admission, 01603 222599.
Norfolk's County Archivist, a native of Wales where the dragon is revered, looks at how the dragon has been viewed over the centuries in Great Britain and Europe.
Beasts Unite Dragon Procession
February 19, 2.30pm-7pm, free admission.
Meet at Norwich Castle, Great Hospital or St Gregory's Centre for the Arts at 2.30pm to watch a colourful procession dancing and performing towards The Forum, followed by refreshments and storytelling at St Gregory's Centre for the Arts.
Dragons and Mythical, Fabulous Beasts
Hungate Medieval Art, February 19-27, 10am-4pm, free admission, 01603 305573, www.norfolkheraldry.org.uk
A display of dragons and other beasts used in heraldry past and present, by the Norfolk Heraldry Society. Exhibition includes flags, shields and artefacts with accompanying histories. Colour in your favourite beast. Aimed at all ages.
Dragon's Lairs and Homes of Mayors: Heritage Tours and Talks
Strangers' Hall, Blackfriars' Hall and Dragon Hall, February 19, 11am-5pm, �45, pre-book on 01603 663922.
A packed day of medieval heritage. A unique chance to visit medieval heritage buildings — Strangers' Hall, Blackfriars' Hall, Dragon Hall, guided by professional historians. Lunch provided at Blackfriars' Hall.
The Story of St George
Norwich Castle, February 19-27, 10am-4.30pm, �6.20 (�5.30 cons), �4.40 children, 01603 495897.
Join experts as they look into the fact and fiction surrounding St George. Learn about the myths, arms and armour as well as who the real St George was. Event included in museum admission.
Crafty Dragons
The Forum, February 20-25, 10am-4pm, free admission, 01603 599578.
Help decorate a 'life-size' dragon, created by The Hamlet Centre, using a variety of materials and techniques. There will also be the chance to have a go at other dragon-themed arts and crafts activities suitable for the whole family.
Festival of the Dragon Moon
Norwich Puppet Theatre, February 20, 2.30pm, �7 (�5.50 cons), �5 children, �20 family, 01603 629921, www.puppettheatre.co.uk
This Chinese Palm Puppet performance tells the adventure of T'ang, as she attempts to save her friend Yip Yok the Yak and be back in time to prepare for the 'Dragon Moon' festivities. Families with 4 -11 year olds will love this magical tale.
Dragonomy Week
Inspire Discovery Centre, February 21-25, 10am-5pm, �4.50 (�4 cons), �4 children (4-16), �13 family ticket, workshops �1.50 for materials, 01603 612612, www.
Inspire is running special show and science-based workshops to coincide with the festival. Written especially for the festival, the Fire and Ice Show at 1pm includes daring science feats that will explain the science behind dragons whilst amazing you with incredible experiments. Workshops take place at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm and revolve around the theme of dragons, where children get to make and take home their creations. Suitable from early years to mid-teens, they are limited to 20 places each (tickets available from the front desk on the day).
Meet the Dragons of Wyeten: Medieval Puppetry
Dragon Hall, February 21-22 Feb, 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm and 3pm-4pm, �7, �5 children, 01603 663922.
All the way from their lairs in Wales come a cast of many charming dragons in three wonderful performances. Dragon Hood and the Golden Arrow, 11am-12pm. Dragons Interactive, 1-2pm. The Dragon Quest, 3-4pm. Suitable for all ages.
Kel's Dragon Comic Book Workshops
Dragon Hall, February 21-22, 10.30am-3.30pm for 11-14 yr olds; February 24-25, 10.30am-3.30pm for 15-18 yr olds, �30 for a two-day workshop, pre-book on 01603 663922.
Create comic book stories and characters inspired by dragons and medieval chivalry in this two-day comic book workshop in the stunning Dragon Hall. Led by Kel Winser, a local artist and teacher.
Family Dragon Puppet Making and St George's Trail
Norwich Cathedral, February 22, 10am-4pm, free admission, 01603 218320.
Make your own unique dragon puppet with experts from the Norwich Puppet Theatre then hunt the dragons in the Cathedral and cloister with a dragon trail.
Dragon Pavement Art, Carnival Costume Workshop and Mini Parade
Chapelfield, February 23, 11am-5pm, free admission, 01603 753344.
With your help, pavement artists will create a dragon picture that could grace any modern art gallery. You can also enjoy face-painting and a dragon carnival costume workshop with mini-parade. Everyone will have the chance to leave their mark and have fun!
Here be Dragons!
Dragon Hall, February 24-25, 10am-12pm, 12.30pm-2.30pm and 3pm-5pm, �5 per person, 01603 663922.
Lots of imaginative hands-on dragon activities; an enchanted trail round Dragon Hall, riddles and artifact creation. You are also invited to make your own Shoebox Dragon!
Dragons On Parade
The Guildhall, February 25, 10-11.30am, 12-1.30pm, 2-3.30pm, pre-book free tickets on 01603 599577.
Help prepare for the procession of St George. Create banners, candle holders and family coats of arms. Once ready, join the procession led by musicians in full Medieval costume. Families and children of all ages are wel-come.
Tales of Dragons and Knights
The Guildhall, February 25, 3.45-4.45pm, pre-book free tickets on 01603 599577.
Join the popular Yarnsmith of Norwich to hear exciting tales of dastardly dragons, brave knights and King Arthur's Court inside the medieval Guildhall.
The Dragon's Daughte
Norwich Playhouse, February 26, 1.30pm/3.30pm, February 27, 11.30am/1.30pm, �7.50 (�5.50 cons), �5.50 children, 01603 598598, www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Blunderbus Theatre Company present this magical tale of adventure about a boy and a baby dragon, which will appeal to the child in everyone! The show is aimed at early years and families.
Golden Star Morris Dancing
Norwich Castle, February 26, various times during opening times (10am-4.30pm), normal admission prices, 01603 495897.
Watch the Golden Star Morris troupe as they perform in the Castle Keep. Of course there will be dragons, so make sure you keep a look out.
Cathedral Dragons
St John the Baptist, February 26, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm, 4 per person, pre-book on 01603 724380.
Tour of St John Cathedral focusing on dragon sculptures, ending with the opportunity for children to make their own dragons out of recycled materials. This event is aimed at children between the ages of 7-14.
Chinese Dragon Dance
All Saints Green, February 26, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, free admission, 01603 660021.
Celebrating the global appeal of dragons, there will be a Chinese Dragon Dance with live music outside John Lewis. Come along to hear drums, cymbals and gongs accompany the energetic nine-person dragon dance.
Pick of the Dragon Festival
Dragon Egg Trail
Norwich City Centre, February 12-27, free admission.
Dragons have laid eggs all around the city. Use the free trail map to spot them. Download a map from heri-tagecity.org/dragonfestival or pick one up from Norwich Tourist Information Centre.
Dragons in Camera
Assembly House, February 12-27, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm, free admission, 01603 626402.
Local photographer Vini Pereira will mount a photography exhibition which captures dragons on display around Norwich's historic buildings in a fresh and original way.
Dreigiau Cochion ac Eraill
The Archive Centre, February 16, 1pm-1.45pm, free admission, 01603 222599.
Norfolk's County Archivist, a native of Wales where the dragon is revered, looks at how the dragon has been viewed over the centuries in Great Britain and Europe.
Beasts Unite Dragon Procession
February 19, 2.30pm-7pm, free admission.
Meet at Norwich Castle, Great Hospital or St Gregory's Centre for the Arts at 2.30pm to watch a colourful procession dancing and performing towards The Forum, followed by refreshments and storytelling at St Gregory's Centre for the Arts.
Dragons and Mythical, Fabulous Beasts
Hungate Medieval Art, February 19-27, 10am-4pm, free admission, 01603 305573, www.norfolkheraldry.org.uk
A display of dragons and other beasts used in heraldry past and present, by the Norfolk Heraldry Society. Exhibition includes flags, shields and artefacts with accompanying histories. Colour in your favourite beast. Aimed at all ages.
Dragon's Lairs and Homes of Mayors: Heritage Tours and Talks
Strangers' Hall, Blackfriars' Hall and Dragon Hall, February 19, 11am-5pm, �45, pre-book on 01603 663922.
A packed day of medieval heritage. A unique chance to visit medieval heritage buildings — Strangers' Hall, Blackfriars' Hall, Dragon Hall, guided by professional historians. Lunch provided at Blackfriars' Hall.
The Story of St George
Norwich Castle, February 19-27, 10am-4.30pm, �6.20 (�5.30 cons), �4.40 children, 01603 495897.
Join experts as they look into the fact and fiction surrounding St George. Learn about the myths, arms and armour as well as who the real St George was. Event included in museum admission.
Crafty Dragons
The Forum, February 20-25, 10am-4pm, free admission, 01603 599578.
Help decorate a 'life-size' dragon, created by The Hamlet Centre, using a variety of materials and techniques. There will also be the chance to have a go at other dragon-themed arts and crafts activities suitable for the whole family.
Festival of the Dragon Moon
Norwich Puppet Theatre, February 20, 2.30pm, �7 (�5.50 cons), �5 children, �20 family, 01603 629921, www.puppettheatre.co.uk
This Chinese Palm Puppet performance tells the adventure of T'ang, as she attempts to save her friend Yip Yok the Yak and be back in time to prepare for the 'Dragon Moon' festivities. Families with 4 -11 year olds will love this magical tale.
Dragonomy Week
Inspire Discovery Centre, February 21-25, 10am-5pm, �4.50 (�4 cons), �4 children (4-16), �13 family ticket, workshops �1.50 for materials, 01603 612612, www.
Inspire is running special show and science-based workshops to coincide with the festival. Written especially for the festival, the Fire and Ice Show at 1pm includes daring science feats that will explain the science behind dragons whilst amazing you with incredible experiments. Workshops take place at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm and revolve around the theme of dragons, where children get to make and take home their creations. Suitable from early years to mid-teens, they are limited to 20 places each (tickets available from the front desk on the day).
Meet the Dragons of Wyeten: Medieval Puppetry
Dragon Hall, February 21-22 Feb, 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm and 3pm-4pm, �7, �5 children, 01603 663922.
All the way from their lairs in Wales come a cast of many charming dragons in three wonderful performances. Dragon Hood and the Golden Arrow, 11am-12pm. Dragons Interactive, 1-2pm. The Dragon Quest, 3-4pm. Suitable for all ages.
Kel's Dragon Comic Book Workshops
Dragon Hall, February 21-22, 10.30am-3.30pm for 11-14 yr olds; February 24-25, 10.30am-3.30pm for 15-18 yr olds, �30 for a two-day workshop, pre-book on 01603 663922.
Create comic book stories and characters inspired by dragons and medieval chivalry in this two-day comic book workshop in the stunning Dragon Hall. Led by Kel Winser, a local artist and teacher.
Family Dragon Puppet Making and St George's Trail
Norwich Cathedral, February 22, 10am-4pm, free admission, 01603 218320.
Make your own unique dragon puppet with experts from the Norwich Puppet Theatre then hunt the dragons in the Cathedral and cloister with a dragon trail.
Dragon Pavement Art, Carnival Costume Workshop and Mini Parade
Chapelfield, February 23, 11am-5pm, free admission, 01603 753344.
With your help, pavement artists will create a dragon picture that could grace any modern art gallery. You can also enjoy face-painting and a dragon carnival costume workshop with mini-parade. Everyone will have the chance to leave their mark and have fun!
Here be Dragons!
Dragon Hall, February 24-25, 10am-12pm, 12.30pm-2.30pm and 3pm-5pm, �5 per person, 01603 663922.
Lots of imaginative hands-on dragon activities; an enchanted trail round Dragon Hall, riddles and artifact creation. You are also invited to make your own Shoebox Dragon!
Dragons On Parade
The Guildhall, February 25, 10-11.30am, 12-1.30pm, 2-3.30pm, pre-book free tickets on 01603 599577.
Help prepare for the procession of St George. Create banners, candle holders and family coats of arms. Once ready, join the procession led by musicians in full Medieval costume. Families and children of all ages are wel-come.
Tales of Dragons and Knights
The Guildhall, February 25, 3.45-4.45pm, pre-book free tickets on 01603 599577.
Join the popular Yarnsmith of Norwich to hear exciting tales of dastardly dragons, brave knights and King Arthur's Court inside the medieval Guildhall.
The Dragon's Daughte
Norwich Playhouse, February 26, 1.30pm/3.30pm, February 27, 11.30am/1.30pm, �7.50 (�5.50 cons), �5.50 children, 01603 598598, www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Blunderbus Theatre Company present this magical tale of adventure about a boy and a baby dragon, which will appeal to the child in everyone! The show is aimed at early years and families.
Golden Star Morris Dancing
Norwich Castle, February 26, various times during opening times (10am-4.30pm), normal admission prices, 01603 495897.
Watch the Golden Star Morris troupe as they perform in the Castle Keep. Of course there will be dragons, so make sure you keep a look out.
Cathedral Dragons
St John the Baptist, February 26, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm, 4 per person, pre-book on 01603 724380.
Tour of St John Cathedral focusing on dragon sculptures, ending with the opportunity for children to make their own dragons out of recycled materials. This event is aimed at children between the ages of 7-14.
Chinese Dragon Dance
All Saints Green, February 26, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, free admission, 01603 660021.
Celebrating the global appeal of dragons, there will be a Chinese Dragon Dance with live music outside John Lewis. Come along to hear drums, cymbals and gongs accompany the energetic nine-person dragon dance.
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