A spectacular 23-meter-long, Chinese-inspired dragon will form the grand finale to this year’s Dawlish Carnival parade.

The dragon and accompanying lanterns are being created at open craft workshops at the Alice Cross Centre in Teignmouth with community artist Sam Lock.

At the first of ten workshops, held on Thursday (April 3), the Alice Cross was a riot of oranges and reds, as the dragon began to take shape.

Bringing people together to create the community float and lanterns, all made from recycled materials, is all part of the Alice Cross ethos of shared spirit, a centre spokesperson explained.

This community float is all about ‘brining a touch of festivity to our everyday spaces in this joyous event,’ the spokesperson added.

The workshops, which have been funded by Dawlish Celebrates Carnival, are free of charge and open to all ages and abilities. Participants can attend any or all of the crafting sessions.

Everyone will be invited to walk with the dragon at the carnival parade on Friday August 15.

Future workshops take place between 1.30pm and 4.30pm on April 10, and 24. May 8, 15 and 22, and June 5, 12, 19 and 26. Light refreshments will be provided.

Dawlish Carnival will run from Saturday August 9 to Friday August 15.

Some events traditionally run during the carnival week have had to be scrapped this year as the carnival committee work around the extensive South West Water works taking place in the town.

It’s a Knockout and the Pram Race have fallen victim to the line-up changes as the carnival committee adapt to the reduced space available on the Lawn.

Instead, there will be an afternoon of beach activities including raft races and a fancy dress walk in the sea. A day of children’s activities will take place at Manor Gardens. And a new Pub Challenge will take the form of a walking event between pubs with teams doing challenges inside.