A TWO-day Dragon's Festival based on myths and stories from the UK and other countries has been organised by Yorkshire Dales Workshops.

Chinese people all over the world are celebrating the New Year of The Dragon which to western people are threatening creatures needing to be slain by heroes like Saint George.

To the Chinese, dragons are very likeable and jolly beings and no Chinese celebration is complete without a dancing, processional dragon and lion.

The two-day annual family festival organised by Yorkshire Dales Workshops this year will take place in Ilkey on April 17 and 18, close to St George's Day.

Organisers say it will include a modern, environmental, new fun look at George and his dragon and offer opportunities in story and drama, puppetry, music and dance.

Last year with the help of local sponsors Yorkshire Dales Workshops were able to present Lempden Puppets' 'The Last of the Trolls' in a show linked with the festival.

This year they are hoping to raise sufficient funds to enable them to present Nick Tozcek's dragon show which includes a professional Chinese dragon from Hong Kong.

Yorkshire Dales Workshops would like to hear from anyone interested in becoming a sponsor for the event.

Those wanting further information should ring 01943 609393.

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