The dragon at Caerphilly Castle has “captured imaginations” with attendances soaring by almost 200% since its St David’s Day arrival.
Visitors young and old have made the trip to see the scaled creature, from school pupils to parents and grandparents – all waiting in line to catch a glimpse of its smoking nostrils.
The number of visitors at Caerphilly Castle between Tuesday March 1 and Sunday March 6 increased by 185%, compared to the same period last year. Footfall figures from the weekend also showed an increase, with the counter on Cardiff Road near the Park Lane junction measuring at 6,348 on Saturday March 5, a 13% rise on the previous weekend.
The four-metre long attraction, designed by Wild Creations – who were also responsible for the ‘Ball in the Wall’ at Cardiff Castle during last year’s Rugby World Cup – appeared on St David’s Day to mark the launch of Cadw’s Historic Adventures campaign.
Ken Skates, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “Bringing visitors never-seen-before events and experiences at Wales’s historic sites during Visit Wales’s Year of Adventure, the Dragon has enjoyed a wave of positive public reaction since it appeared on the banks of Caerphilly Castle on St David’s Day.
“Since the Dragon’s launch, thousands of visitors have been inspired to go and see the sculpture and its spectacular historic surroundings up close.
“The benefit has also extended to the local community, with businesses surrounding the Castle reporting boosted trade thanks to the increase in footfall to the area.
“Overall, the Dragon has managed to capture the imagination of thousands, and for that reason it has undoubtedly been a colossal success.
“I’m overjoyed to have more people than ever taking an interest in Wales’s historic sites, and to see Caerphilly Castle attracting attention from all over the world.”
The Dragon is now available to see inside Caerphilly Castle. More information can be found at www.cadw.gov.wales/fun/historicadventures/meet-the-dragon.