The 36-foot Dragon made entirely out of tape will prowl the streets escorted by her legion of loyal ghouls, beasts, misfits and demons to celebrate the ancient tradition of Samhain in a thrilling nighttime parade and finale show attracting thousands of spectators, young and old, to Cork City.

Hundreds of participants will bring the dragon to life, volunteers and community groups such as Suisha inclusive Arts, Blackpool Community Access Program and National Learning Network will be collaborating with our artists to create floats, costumes, and performances.

We will be joined by the french co-operative La Bergerie and Australian theatre company Curious Legends. Expect fantastic performances from Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance, CCAL Drama Troupe, Slí Danú, The Butter Exchange Band, The Coal Quay Shawlies and many more, to be announced.

A true grassroots event that began by asking the people of Cork, what do you want in your city? The event has grown into a real-life urban legend and myth, showcasing a night for the community, built by and with the community of Cork City, it is The Dragon of Shandon that belongs to the people of Cork. To keep in line with our main value of inclusiveness, most of our projects take place or had their outcome presented in the public space. Whenever, and as much as we can, we aim to provide our workshops, large scale visual arts or parades are free of charge or subsidised for everyone.

Now in its 18th year, The Dragon of Shandon Parade continues Cork Community Art Link's 30 years of community focused, unique large scale art projects and events. In the lead up, Cork Community Art Link are offering a series of free workshops open to all. From float and prop making to skeleton puppeteering and face painting workshops, there is something for everyone, so come join us at the Lido and help to bring the dragon to life!

This free parade for all will take place on Halloween night, beginning at 7.00 pm it will start on Church Street and travel down the length of Shandon Street, North Main Street, Castle Street, Cornmarket Street and finish with a series of performances on the Coal Quay.