For details of 2021 dragons click here.
There aren’t many events happening at the moment but the West Hagbourne dragons have re-appeared to commemorate St George’s Day. Do visit if you can!
Wes Hagbourne dragons
West Hagbourne is a couple of miles from Didcot which makes it a good target for your daily walk or run.
It’s easily accessed from the old railway embankment running between Didcot and Upton or from the track that runs behind St Andrew’s Church in East Hagbourne. It’s also possible to cycle to the village from Park Road in Didcot; not something I’d usually recommend but the current lack of traffic makes it a more pleasant ride than usual.
The dragons appear yearly a week or so either side of St George’s Day. This year they’re on display until Sunday 26 April so you’ll need to visit soon. That said, the villagers often leave some dragons on display for longer than the advertised period.
There is no dragon spotting map. However, West Hagbourne is a small village so it’s easy to find most of them. As well as checking the Main Street running through the centre, branch off into York Road and Manor Close too. I think there are more displays this year than previously; I guess people are stuck at home with nothing to do!
‘Pond dragon’ has reappeared again. He used to reside in the pond, but now guards the telephone box. This year with added face mask.
On that note you’ll notice there is a definite theme to this year’s dragons. Many are wearing face masks or have references to the NHS. I’m not sure if this was specifically planned or everyone just had the same idea.
The dragons are made from all kinds of materials including foil, old toys, wool and paper mache. Do look carefully for them. Although some are in obvious places others are almost hidden under porches or in bushes.
One aspect of the event is not going ahead this year. There are usually afternoon teas available on the final weekend of the display. However, for obvious reasons these won’t be happening! It also goes without saying that you should socially distance yourselves from others visiting the dragons.
Have you visited the West Hagbourne dragons? What was your favourite?
