The Portsmouth International Kite Festival will return to Southsea Common later this month with two days of free family entertainment.
The event will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September and forms part of Portsmouth’s centenary celebrations.
Supported by Portsmouth City Council and organised in partnership with The Kite Society of Great Britain, this year’s festival will carry the theme ‘100 Kites for 100 Years’ to mark a century since Portsmouth was granted city status.
The festival, described as the UK’s largest and longest-running kite event, will feature hundreds of colourful kites flying above Southsea Common.
Displays will include giant 3D kites, artistic creations and precision flying performances set to music.
International kite flyers from the UK and overseas are due to take part, including UK and European champions.
Visitors will also be able to take part in free children’s kite-making workshops and other craft activities.
A funfair, local traders, food and drink stalls and specialist kite retailers will also be available across the weekend.
Live entertainment will form part of the Live at the Bandstand programme, with further family activities from BH Live, Aspex and Seekers Create.
The city’s library bus is also due to attend.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council and Cabinet Member for Culture, Regeneration and Economic Development, said:
"The Portsmouth International Kite Festival is a well-established event that attracts visitors from across the region and showcases Portsmouth's seafront.
"As part of our Portsmouth 100 celebrations, the theme of '100 Kites for 100 Years' is a great way to mark Portsmouth's centenary year. Alongside the kite displays, live entertainment and family activities, it will be a great weekend for residents and visitors."
Visitors are being encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible.
The PR3 Park and Ride service will operate every 10 minutes throughout the weekend, while free bus travel is also available on weekends throughout September on First Bus and Stagecoach services.
Free water refill points will be provided at the festival, along with welfare facilities.
These will include a calm space for visitors with additional needs and a dedicated area for breastfeeding parents and families wanting a break from the crowds.
The Portsmouth International Kite Festival runs from 10am to 5pm on both Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September at Southsea Common.
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