About

Once again the skies above Southsea Common will be full of kites of all shapes and sizes as the International Kite Festival returns (this time at the slightly earlier date of 30 and 31 July). This free event is jointly organised by Portsmouth City Council and The Kite Society of Great Britain.

It's a truly spectacular event with hundreds of kite fliers in attendance from around the world.

Why are the kite fliers so keen to come? They travel to Portsmouth because the International Kite Festival is recognised as one of the best events of its kind in the world - and in fact it's listed as one of the biggest kite festivals on earth.

Kites will be flown by some of the world’s most internationally renowned fliers. Over the weekend you can experience breath-taking displays of kite flying and kite making, which reflect the tradition of kites around the world.

You can expect to see: single line kites, appliquéd or painted with colourful designs; cellular kites (complex 3D structures); soft kites in a huge range of shapes and sizes; and multi-line kites, flown skilfully to music.

There will also be the chance to meet the kite fliers and fly a kite with the guidance of one of the experts.

The event has a spectacular setting on Southsea common overlooking the Solent - a location that offers wide-open spaces and good winds, which allows kites fliers to show off their creations at their best. Also located on the common will be dedicated kite traders who will be able to provide you with a wide range of kites.

The Portsmouth International Kite festival is always a great day out for all the family and is free for everyone.

If you're travelling into Portsmouth for the Kite Festival, why not stay a little longer, explore the area and see the other great things to do along the seafront?