DON’T miss your chance to make history and help decorate a Deane Dragon this Saturday (May 17).

Everyone is invited to add their thumbprint to a blank dragon at the trail launch event at the orchard shopping centre in Taunton from 10am to 3pm.

Other attractions on the day include:

  • Watching an artist painting a dragon;
  • Free face painting;
  • Buy tickets in a raffle to win a full-size trail dragon;
  • A fun dragon quiz;
  • Special Star Wars character guests (not exactly dragon-related, but all on a sci-fi/fantasy theme).

The Taunton Deane Dragon Trail is part of a series of events spearheaded by new Taunton Deane Mayor Dave Durdan.

Cllr Durdan, who was given his chain of office last week, is leading a team of volunteers from local organisations and businesses who are putting the trail together in a bid to boost footfall, attract tourists and create some family fun.

They hope to emulate the success of other trails like Gromit Unleashed in Bristol.

Cllr Durdan said: “We’re really looking forward to introducing members of the public to three of the dragons, especially as they can help decorate one of them with their thumbprint.

“I wanted to use my mayoral year to raise money, champion our wonderful communities and encourage people to have fun.

“The dragon trail is just one of the ideas we have in store.”

On Saturday, organisers will be showing off three of the 30 dragons heading for the streets of Taunton, Wellington and Wiveliscombe later this summer.

The trail is raising funds for community projects in Taunton Deane with the proceeds administered by the Somerset Community Foundation.

Local artist Jonathan Leach will be transposing one of the entries from a public design competition on to another dragon, and the Mayor’s Dragon, which is painted and complete, will also be there on the day (no thumbprints allowed on these two, 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.

Businesses are invited to support the Taunton Deane Dragon Trail by sponsoring a Dragon – call Andy Sharman for details on 07795-561290 or email swbac@hatchers.net