Portsmouth International Kite Festival 2018

The weekend of 11 and 12 August will see the skies above Southsea Common filled with colourful kites in a range of shapes and sizes. The Portsmouth International Kite Festival is a free event, organised by Portsmouth City Council and The Kite Society of Great Britain, and is considered one of the 23 biggest kite festivals in the world.

This year – the 27th time it has been hosted in Portsmouth – the theme is ‘Kites and Art’, and will attract kite fliers from around the world, including New Zealand, Malaysia and USA. From single line kites and cellular kites to 3D kites and stunt kites, this colourful display draws large crowds every year.

Visitors will be able to find out about the art of kite flying and kite making, a tradition that spans the globe; and there will also be a number of displays, including synchronised multi-line kite ballet, Japanese fighting kites and altitude sprints, many to music.

Regular visitors to the event will know that the large number of kites in all manner of forms makes this event special – previous events have had flying super heroes, dragons, hippos and even pigs (yes, pigs can fly!).

Alongside the displays, families can enjoy a range of activities, including a free children’s kite-making workshop and craft marquee, Love Southsea traders market, plus local amusements.

If the kites have piqued your interest, there will be opportunities to chat to the kite traders, browse their stalls and find the right kite for you. You could then have a go yourself on the vast space at Southsea Common.

The 27th Portsmouth International Kite Festival takes place between 10am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday and is free for everyone. Visit www.portsmouthkitefestival.org.uk to find out more.

Words: Liz Bourne from Team Locals Media