Dragon News has gained more information from the official Dragon Festival being held in historic Norwich City. The festival takes place over the the last two weeks of February, starting on Saturday 12th and ending on Sunday 27th February. Taking place over a staggering 30 different venues across Norwich, 49 of which are free of charge with no requirement for pre-booked tickets!

There are many great activities for both adults and children, ranging from fun dragon egg hunts, puppet shows, films and storytelling, right through to talks for adults on Norwich's rich history and myths!

how cute do these dragon puppets look?

What's the connection with Norwich and dragons?

"No one can say with any certainty where or when the myth of the dragon was born. Perhaps it was a story-teller’s embellishment of a sea serpent legend, or even a dramatic response to the discovery of gigantic dinosaur bones. What is clear, though, is that the dragon has captured the imagination of whole societies over the centuries, inspiring fear, awe and admiration. In Japan and China the dragon is a symbol of excellence, while in Europe it represents fire, fury and fighting spirit.

It is the legend of St George, a dragon-slayer, which has really fuelled our country’s fascination with dragons. English interest was stimulated during the crusades, when soldiers seemed inspired by St George’s spirit and adopted his symbolism. His ties to England were cemented during the reign of Henry III, when he was declared the patron saint of England. In Norwich two churches bear his name: St George, Tombland, and St George, Colegate. St George and the dragon can be seen elsewhere in the city, too – in an internationally important 15th-century mural in St Gregory’s church, for example.

An organisation credited with establishing a significant role for dragons in Norwich is the Guild of St George, founded as a religious guild in 14th-century Norwich to observe St George’s Day. It became one of the most powerful and wealthy guilds in the city and developed close ties to the city government. The Guild of St George introduced its annual procession – Guild Day – on 23 April, the date of the saint’s martyrdom. St George and Margaret, the maiden he rescued, were represented, and to bring the legend to life Snap the dragon was also introduced. Rushing around, taunting the crowds with wings flapping and smoke shooting from its mouth, Snap soon became a popular element of the procession.

The famous snap dragon at Norwich Castle

In the late 16th century Guild Day merged with the swearing-in of the city’s new mayor. Although St George and Margaret no longer featured in the procession, Snap remained and the procession evolved into a grand civic occasion. Then came the Municipal Corporation Act of 1835, which set out to reform municipal institutions. Civic purse strings were cut and much of the pomp and circumstance of the civic processions disappeared. Snap refused to go quietly, though, and continued to appear occasionally until 1850. In 1997 the Norwich Whifflers revived Snap, whose traditional design is based on originals now housed in Norwich Castle Museum, and so after a lengthy period of absence Snap is once more part of the Lord Mayors’ celebration.

Today, most people have heard of dragons of legend, but few know of the mythical creature’s deep roots in the history of the city. The powerful and fascinating symbol of the dragon is an ideal vehicle through which to explore and promote Norwich’s rich civic and cultural heritage, which is why the Norwich Dragon Festival has been launched."
source: Norwich Dragon Festival 2011 press release

Dragon Festival Fun

Back in 2009, the first ever Norwich Dragon Festival, with astounding success. The celebration of dragons in history and in culture ran with an attendance of 22,000 people. The city's Dragon Festival earned the tourism award with 100 staff, 89 volunteers and 29 partner organisations working together to provide a treat for all dragon fans.

Chinese Dragon Show at Norwich Dragon Festival

Why can't there be more of this kind of committment and dedication to dragons? Wouldn't it be excellent for an annual Dragon Festival to attract major celebrities, fantasy writers and globally known artists? With the continued success of Norwich's excellent Dragon Festival we wouldn't be too surprised that this would happen in Norwich sooner rather than later. Who would attend a guess talk by J.K. Rowling on the dangers of confronting a Norwegian Ridge Back? I would! Lets get her in Norwich for 2012! The effort and the professionalism of the Norwich Dragon Festival deserves all the attention it's getting.

Dressing up at the Norwich Dragon Festival to learn about the legend of St.George

We love that an entire city is taking two whole weeks to promote a festival and celebrate dragons!

 

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Take a look at the full list of up to date events at the Norwich Dragon Festival here!

read the full dragon festival brochure here!

In the theme of the great Norwich Dragon Festival you can make your own Dragon Puppet on Dragon Zoo's Game Zone here!

 

Read our dragon news story on The Last Dragon - a documentary on the discovery of a dragon carcass in the hills of Romania here!

 

For more Dragon Zoo news stories click here

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