Join the colourful creatures at the Portsmouth International Kite Festival (Photo: The Kite Society).
When: 24th – 26th August 2013, 10am – 5pm
Where: Southsea Common, Portsmouth, Hampshire
£: Free
What is it?
The 22nd Portsmouth International Kite Festival takes place on 24th, 25th and 26th August at Southsea Common, Portsmouth. Jointly organised by Portsmouth City Council and The Kite Society of Great Britain it promises to be more spectacular than ever with over a hundred invited kite fliers from four continents travelling to the event.
The event has a marvellous setting on Southsea Common overlooking the Solent with wide open spaces and good winds. This year the festival has kite fliers from as far afield as Singapore, Japan, America and New Zealand.
This year the Portsmouth International Kite Festival is spotlighting flying sculptures in the form of cellular kites. A kite form developed in the late 19th century and the basis of early aeroplane designs.
The highlight from Japan is Pair Karasu with their unique take on four line sports kite flying. Another highlight of this year’s event is the return visit from Cerf Volant Folie (Kite Team Follie) from France with their expanded team flying routine. This is a 12 person sports kite team of which two sub‐teams exist flying dual line kites choreographed to music.
All guests will put on colourful demonstrations of kites including swarms of snakes, frogs, lizards, whales, jesters, fish, salamanders and much more. In the sky there will be a wide range of kites to enjoy and admire. These include beautiful single line kites, intricately appliquéd or painted with magnificent designs, and amazing cellular kites. The kites will be skillfully flown performing excellent tricks and routines to music.
More info: www.portsmouthkitefestival.org.uk