The 12th Southampton Kite Festival takes to the skies over
the weekend of June 16 and 17 at Lordshill Sports Ground. Sessions are
from 10am to 5.30pm each day with night flying on the Saturday
evening.Organised and run by Solent Kite Flyers in conjunction with Southampton City Council and C.Cole's Fun Fair, this year's Kite Festival promises a great show of many different types of kites, flying displays and kite competitions, as well as varied activities around the festival site.
Each day will see flying displays from the UK's best Individuals, pairs and teams in National Sport Kite Competitions, as well as general entertainment and display flying to music. There will also be a few special arena displays from local groups, including displays of Power Kiting with buggies and boards.
International guests have been invited to give both flying and static kite displays, and there will be plenty of open space available for public flying, so make sure you bring your own kites to fly.
C.Cole's Fun Fair will be also be open all weekend. There will also be a kite making workshop, in which everyone will be able to make their own simple kite, a sport kite flying school for help in getting started in two and four line kites, as well as kite traders selling a range of kites and accessories. Craft stalls, general interest and activity traders, refreshments, live music, street theatre, face painting and Punch & Judy will also be there to keep all ages entertained throughout the day.
There will also be 'Parachuting Teddy Bears' and you can bring along your own cuddly toys to join in the fun: each will receive a certificate for their bravery!
Weather and wind permitting, there will be a 'Night Fly' on Saturday evening from dusk. This is open to all fliers, with kites having lights attached or using reflective tapes to make a great display in the night sky. Some of the food traders will also stay open as long as there are customers to serve.
If you don't feel like flying a kite, then why not just come and watch one of the most colourful and exciting events to happen in Southampton this year. Entry is free, parking is free and the sky is free for all to use and enjoy.
At Lordshill Sports Ground, 5 Acre Field, Lordshill, Southampton. Hampshire. The site entrance is off Redbridge Lane. All major access routes will be AA signposted for the event.
More information from Mike Lowe of Solent Kite Flyers on 02380 770788 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.