We were delighted to be invited to Passion for Somerset‘s Awakening of the Somerset Dragon ceremony in the orchards at Thatcher’s Cider, Sandford on Thursday 5th March 2026.
The 7ft-high Dragon will be the centrepiece of Somerset Day 2026 and a symbol of pride, creativity and community across the county. The Dragon was designed by the talented students and staff of Taunton College and sponsored by Eurilait Limited.
Guests and local schoolchildren were treated to a live interactive reading of The Tail of the Somerset Dragon by author Serin Brown. This beautifully illustrated book tells the Dragon’s story and, with it, the story of the county itself. Thanks to Ohana Studio, the book will be sent free to all primary schools in Somerset, helping thousands of children to explore their county’s heritage, folklore and sense of place. Each school will also receive a comprehensive educational pack.
Serin Brown, author and director at Passion for Somerset, said: “By reaching every primary school in Somerset, The Tail of the Dragon ensures that children across the county can be part of Somerset Day. The storybook and education pack are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and a sense of place, helping young people connect with their local heritage in a meaningful way.”
The Dragon will now embark on The Journey of the Somerset Dragon, visiting towns and villages across the county in the build up to Somerset Day 2026. Each stop on the Journey will feature a free public event, with performances and creative activities that bring communities together.
BBC Radio Somerset will host and run an official Name the Dragon campaign via the BBC Somerset website, inviting people to suggest a name and explain why it should be chosen. The Journey will conclude with the chosen name being revealed on Somerset Day, Monday 11th May 2026 at a special event hosted by BBC Radio Somerset.
Nigel Muers-Raby, Passion for Somerset CEO said: “Somerset Day is about belonging, pride and shared identity. The Journey of the Somerset Dragon is a powerful way to bring communities together, spark imagination and celebrate everything that makes Somerset special – from our folklore and landscapes to our people and creativity.”
Alongside the Dragon project, Somerset Day 2026 will also continue its focus on celebrating young people across the county with the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards, being held at the McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater on Thursday 21st May 2026. The awards recognise an array of accomplishments ranging from the arts, sports, music, and academics to selfless acts of caring for others and displaying courage. Nominations close on Sunday 15th March 2026.
Peter Boyce, Chairman of the Association of British Counties, said, “Most of us developed a love for our county because of the role it played in our childhood. Nothing is more important to our movement than to foster an understanding, appreciation and love for their county among today’s children and future generations. Passion for Somerset’s new Journey of the Dragon initiative takes on this challenge with gusto. It is a wonderful companion to the fantastic work they have been doing with the Pride in Somerset Youth Awards for many years. We wish them every success with it.“
Banner Image: VIPs with the Somerset Dragon, including Ed Leahy (Eurilait MD), Nigel Muers-Raby (CEO Passion for Somerset), Janet Montgomery (High Sheriff of Somerset), Serin Brown (Director, Passion for Somerset), Mohammed Saddiq (Lord Lieutenant of Somerset), Martin Thatcher, (Thatchers Cider).