A two-week celebration of the role dragons have played in Norwich's heritage starts next Saturday.

Dragons have been a heraldic symbol closely associated with the city since the Middle Ages and many are still visible across the city's architecture and feature in city celebrations.

The Norwich Dragon Festival, coordinated by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) and now in its second year, will feature more than 60 events based around the fire-breathing creatures in more than 25 locations.

Forty-nine of the events are absolutely free.

Lindsey Roffe, communications manager at Norwich HEART, said: 'Everyone involved in the organisation of this year's Festival is counting down to the launch of what promises to be a very exciting and action packed two-week programme.

'There is something for everyone; whether it is entertaining the children over half term, learning a new skill or seeing some of the city's most iconic heritage buildings in a new light. We hope the residents and visitors to Norwich will really enjoy all that the festival has to offer.'

The festival runs until Sunday, February 27.

Some of the events include a series of arts and crafts activities such as a puppet-making workshop at Norwich Cathedral, a model clay dragon-making workshop at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, a creative writing workshop at Dragon Hall, a Manga drawing workshop at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, and dragon pavement art, at carnival costume workshop and mini-parade at Chapelfield Shopping Centre.

People can also learn about the science behind dragons at Inspire Discovery Centre, and watch dragon dancing in front of John Lewis, Norwich Castle, The Forum, London Street and Hay Hill.

A photography exhibition that captures images of dragons around Norwich has been specially commissioned for the festival at the Assembly House, and people can listen to dragon-related talks at the University of East Anglia, the Archive Centre and the Maddermarket Theatre.

There will also be puppet shows at Norwich Puppet Theatre, Norwich Playhouse, Dragon Hall and the Great Hospital and people can listen to dragon storytelling at Jarrold, Dragon Hall, St Gregory's Centre for the Arts, the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, Waterstone's in Castle Street, The Forum and the Guildhall.

Free dragon-related films will be shown on the big screen at Chapelfield and at Fusion in The Forum and people can also follow a special dragon trail around the city.

•The Norwich Dragon Festival runs from Saturday, February 12 to Sunday, February 27 February.

For details of when and where each event is happening visit www.heritagecity.org/dragonfestival or call Norwich HEART on 01603 305575 to request a copy of the brochure.