YOU can make your mark – literally – on this summer’s Taunton Deane Dragon Trail at a launch event next Saturday.

Organisers will be showing off three of the 30 dragons heading for our streets in Taunton’s Orchard Shopping Centre on May 17.

And members of the public are being given their chance to add their thumbprint to a ‘blank’ dragon between 10am and 3pm.

Other attractions include:

  • Watching an artist painting a dragon
  • Free face painting
  • A raffle to win a full-size trail dragon
  • A fun dragon quiz
  • Plus, hopefully, some special guests – keep reading for details.

Trail co-ordinator Mike Marshall said: “This is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and help us decorate one of the dragons.

“They’re very tame and friendly and are looking forward to welcoming people of all ages – we need as many thumbprints as possible to make the dragon’s scales.

“In the summer you’ll be able to visit the dragon as part of the trail so it would be great to say you helped decorate it.”

Local artist Jonathan Leach will be transposing one of the entries from our design competition on to another dragon and there will be a ‘VIP’ dragon ready-painted to admire (keep your thumbs off these ones, though!).

There will also be free comics given away thanks to Krackers Comics and Games in Bath Place as well as dragon prizes to be won.

The Taunton Deane Dragon Trail will aim to emulate the success of the Gromit Unleashed trail in Bristol and will see around 30 decorated dragons set loose in various locations across Taunton Deane.

Most dragons will be located in the county town while others will also be emerging from their lairs in Wellington, Wiveliscombe and nearby villages.

Keep reading the County Gazette and this website for updates or click on www.facebook.com/dragonsdeane or follow @Deane_Dragons