A kite is a tethered heavier-than-air craft with wing surfaces that react against air to create lift and drag. Kites were invented in China, where they were made from silk and bamboo. Modern kites are made from different materials and can have various designs. At kite festivals, one can see a lot of kites that emulate birds, insects, dragons, and other creatures capable of flight, both real and mythical.
Kite festivals are held in many countries around the world. In some Asian countries, traditional kite festivals have been held for centuries. European kite festivals aren’t so old but they have already become a popular form of entertainment. Every year, thousands of kite fliers attend such festivals to display their unique kite designs and showcase their kite flying skills.
The Portsmouth International Kite Festival was founded in 1992. It is jointly organized by The Kite Society of Great Britain and Portsmouth City Council. The festival runs over a weekend in August and features dozens of kites of all shapes and sizes. It is a colorful and stunning demonstration of the ancient art of kite making and kite flying.
The program of the festival includes a number of exciting and varied of kite displays, including giant cartoon kites, synchronized kite ballet, altitude sprint, Japanese fighting kites, and more. Each festival has a unique theme and hosts kite displays that illustrate it. For example, the 2017 theme was “The Seven Continents” and the festival had kites and kite fliers from six inhabited continents of the world.
Along with kite displays, the Portsmouth International Kite Festival hosts other activities for children and grown-ups alike. They include free children’s kite workshops, a craft marquee, and local amusements. There also are food vendors, kite vendors and craft stalls on site. The event is free to attend.
Photo: Steven Vacher
