The Dundee Hooley is recruiting an army of Martins to take on a giant dragon
Updated: 35 minutes ago
Calling all Martins, Martinas and Martyns! Dundee Hooley is searching for people with a very particular name to help defeat the legendary Dundee Dragon in a spectacular city centre parade!
The unusual appeal comes ahead of the fifth Dundee Hooley, which organisers say will take place at Meadowside on Sunday 29 November, bringing the famous Legend of the Dundee Dragon to life through interactive street theatre.
This year’s dragon-themed celebrations will recreate the legendary battle between the fearsome creature and Martin the Blacksmith, with organisers inviting anyone named Martin, Martina, Martyn or another variation to take part in a special section of the parade.
And there’s no need for Martin to be your first name! Anyone with the name as their first, middle or surname is welcome to participate, with no previous performance experience required.
Why is Dundee looking for people named Martin?
The unusual appeal is inspired by one of Dundee's best-known local legends, the story of the Dundee Dragon and a brave blacksmith named Martin.
According to the legend, a fearsome dragon terrorised Dundee, threatening the local community. Martin the Blacksmith eventually confronted the creature and succeeded in slaying it, becoming a hero in the city's folklore.
The story has been passed down through generations and remains part of Dundee's cultural heritage, with the dragon and Martin's heroic battle continuing to inspire local celebrations.
This year's Dundee Hooley will bring the legend to life through a spectacular street performance, with a giant Martin facing off against the Dundee Dragon in the parade finale.
And that's where the modern-day Martins come in! Organisers want people who share the legendary blacksmith's name to join forces and help recreate his famous victory, giving the public a chance to become part of Dundee's folklore.
A spectacular battle in Dundee city centre
The parade will follow a 1km route through Dundee city centre, beginning and ending at the High School of Dundee. Participants will gather at 4.45pm, before the parade sets off at 5.30pm.
Once the procession returns to the school, the assembled Martins will help stage the grand finale by holding ropes around the performance area as a giant Martin and the Dundee Dragon battle in a dramatic showdown, expected to take place at approximately 6.20pm.
All participants will receive training and a costume to wear over their own clothes, allowing people of different backgrounds and experience levels to get involved in the celebrations.
The event aims to bring one of Dundee’s best-known local legends to life while encouraging residents and visitors to take part in a unique community spectacle.
Anyone named Martin, Martina, Martyn or a variation who would like to participate can register their interest through the organisers’ online survey here at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/Martins/
Further information is available by emailing cityevents@dundeecity.gov.uk.
