Dragons are back on the streets of Norwich next year, as the Norwich Dragon Festival returns due to popular demand, between 10^th – 23^rd February 2014. 

Norwich Dragon Festival 2014: Warming Up Winter will see two weeks packed full of dragon-related activities and events linked to the symbol of the dragon, celebrating its role in the heritage and culture of Norwich.

Organised by Norwich’s Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), with support from the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and The Forum, the festival will include a wide range of events themed around dragons, to promote heritage to a broad audience during the post-Christmas depths of winter.

Dragon-seekers can enjoy films, sculpture, competitions, processions and walks, arts and craft workshops, puppet shows and dressing up, dragon trails, story-telling sessions, dance performances, talks and exhibitions, and artwork and displays created by community groups and local artists.

Dragons have been a heraldic symbol closely associated with the city of Norwich since the Middle Ages (including the Guild of St George and its procession featuring Snap the dragon), and today dragons are still visible across the city’s architecture and feature in many city celebrations.

In 2011, the Dragon Festival’s 60 events attracted 75,000 visitors and had a positive economic impact on the local economy of £400,000.

Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of Norwich HEART said: “Norwich has got an amazing wealth of outstanding heritage that stands head and shoulders above other cities. HEART’s hugely successful Dragon Festival is a brilliant way of getting all generations into heritage, and our 2011 events showed that over 75,000 people enjoyed this unique heritage experience.”

HEART would welcome the involvement of any local venues, organisations and community groups who would like to host an event, workshop or activity. If you would like to get involved, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.

A community photography competition will also be announced shortly, celebrating dragons and other mythological beasts in Norwich’s heritage and showcasing inspiring photography talent from the region.

Tim Bishop, Chief Executive of The Forum said: “The Forum is delighted to be part of the Norwich Dragon Festival as not only is a fun and colourful way to celebrate our local heritage, but it will also add to the rich mix of cultural experiences on offer in Norwich and Norfolk.”

Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) said: “Norwich BID are proud to support the 3rd Norwich Dragon Festival and we are keen to see this key city centre event grow and develop, adding to the vibrancy of the city.  Following the success and effectiveness of other similar trails, the dragons will animate the city during February half term capturing the imagination of the general public. Now in its 3rd year the festival will include numerous events during its 2 week programme highlighting the architecture and rich history of the city of which the dragons heavily feature.”

More information about the festival as it is released will be available at www.heritagecity.org/dragonfestival, and the brochure will be available in January. You can also follow announcements about the festival on Twitter at @NorwichHEART and#NorwichDragonFestival, or on Facebook – Norwich HEART or Norwich Dragon Festival.