Idris the Dragon moves into town

* Fringe directors Graham Timms, Paul Keddie, Robert Jaques and Sara Roberts with Ken Skates AM and  sculptor Matt Baker.

Idris the Welsh Dragon was unveiled yesterday by Ken Skates, Llangollen's Assembly Member.

The big red beast was made by local sculptor Matt Baker and is on display opposite the lawn opposite Royal Hotel.

The to-metre-high dragon has been constructed as part of the Llangollen Fringe Community Arts project run by artist Jan Murray.

Two Llangollen Fringe art exhibitions are also now open and will continue until the end of August.

Y Capel on Castle Street has an exhibition of artists and photographers who live in the Dee valley,
organised alongside Denbighshire Exhibition and Arts Project Coordinator Siân Green.

The Llangollen History Museum hosts an exhibition that includes work from groups who have worked with Jan Murray in the community.

Both events will continue until the end of August.

Jan has been working with local schools to produce poetry, paintings and model dragons for display during the main Llangollen Fringe festival period from July 17-27.

Another 90 dragons have been made and will join Idris on the lawn in 10 days time.

Art has always been a large part of the festival with Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin having visited the town in the past. But now the focus is on community involvement.

There are three exhibitions this year as well as the street art that will be seen around the town.

The main festival includes a huge range of events and aims to live up to the unofficial Fringe motto of "something for everyone".