Dragons appearing in gardens in South Oxfordshire village

Villagers in West Hagbourne, near Didcot, created model dragons as part of an annual St George’s Day tradition.

This tradition, which started in 2009, involves villagers crafting varied, imaginative dragons from materials like papier-mâché, wire, and paper, and placing them throughout the village – with many featuring in residents’ gardens.

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Over the years the event has been organised by the West Hagbourne Village Association, and is designed to celebrate St George’s Day and encourage community involvement.

Hazel and Robert Griffiths with their dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

While Justine Thompson chose a table tennis theme, Dan Tozer’s design referenced learner drivers.

St George’s Day, celebrated annually on April 23, is the feast day of Saint George, the patron saint of England, marking his death in 303 AD.

Rosie Gardener with her dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

Emily, Oliver and Maureen Hall with their dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

Dan Tozer with his dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

It is celebrated with parades, flags, and traditional food, although it is not a bank holiday.

In the run-up to this year’s St George’s Day, flags showing the Cross of St George and the Union Flag have been placed on lampposts across the county by Raise The Colours: Oxfordshire, a voluntary group.

The county council has issued a legal notice in a bid to ban the placing of the flags on lampposts and council staff have removed some of them.