A two-day family festival based on dragon myths and stories from the UK and other countries around the world will take place in Ilkley in the spring.

The Dragon Festival is being organised by Yorkshire Dales Workshops on Monday and Tuesday, April 17 and 18, close to St George's Day. It will include a modern, environmental, fun look at George and his dragon and offer opportunities in story and drama, puppetry, music and dance.

Liz Bowen, of Ilkley-based Yorkshire Dales Workshops, said: "Most Western ideas about dragons are of fearsome, threatening creatures needing to be slain by heroes like St George.

"Not so the Chinese dragons who are very likeable and jolly beings. No Chinese celebration is complete without a dancing processional dragon and lion."

Last year with the help of local sponsors, Yorkshire Dales Workshops presented Lempen Puppets in a show linked with the festival.

The group is hoping to raise funds to present Bradford-based Nick Tozcek's dragon show which includes a processional Chinese dragon from Hong Kong.

Potential sponsors for this event. If you would like to know more ring (01943) 609393.

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