Final preparations under way for Dragon Fest event, at West Stow, and Prehistoric Beasts exhibition, in Bury St Edmunds, this summer

Families can get up close to dragons and dinosaurs this summer as mythical and prehistoric beasts stomp their way into West Suffolk.

Fresh from its slumber, a new dragon will be stretching its wings at Dragon Fest, at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village this June.

It will be the 10th year of the family-friendly event, which gives children an insight into Anglo-Saxon beliefs and stories, as well as exploring how dragons have become a theme embedded in cultures from around the world.

And there will be dinosaurs galore in the Prehistoric Beasts: Land, Sea and Sky exhibition which opens at Moyse’s Hall Museum, in Bury St Edmunds, on Saturday.

Both Dragon Fest and Prehistoric Beasts have been organised by West Suffolk Council, which manages the two venues.

Cllr Ian Shipp, cabinet member for leisure, said: “We are delighted to be bringing these two spectacular events to West Suffolk.

“Like many other cultures, the Anglo-Saxons believed in the existence of dragons. Dragon Fest is a wonderful day out for families and a great way to give young children a fun insight into the lives of the Anglo-Saxons.

“This year there’s also a chance to meet our new dragon and help us discover its name. We will also have pet dragons Brym and Snarl Junior with their handlers, alongside a chance to try archery, axe throwing and more.

“And we’re very much looking forward to opening our Prehistoric Beasts exhibition this weekend. Whether it’s the T-Rex skull with its massive teeth, the triceratops with its horns or the skeletons of a younger T-Rex and velociraptor, these prehistoric beasts continue to fascinate people of all ages.”

Prehistoric Beasts: Land, Sea and Sky opens on Saturday and runs until October 5. Booking is recommended – for more information, go to www.moyseshall.org/whats-on/details.cfm?id=1002147&ins=1619990

Dragon Fest is on June 21 and 22. For more information and to book, go to www.weststow.org/whats-on/details.cfm?id=1003347&ins=1623390

Families can access Moyse’s Hall and the Anglo-Saxon Village throughout the year through a heritage ticket – details can be found at www.weststow.org/visit/admission-prices.cfm

Both events are delivered as part of the council's strategic priority for thriving communities, which includes cultural and educational activities.