The Portsmouth International Kite Festival, featuring dozens of impressive kite displays, has returned to the common for its 30th year today.
Last year saw a triumphant return for the festival after Covid-19 restrictions meant that 2020 event never got off the ground, and strong winds meant the festival could only go ahead for one day in 2019.
Amy Tilt, an events manager at Portsmouth City Council, which is helping to run the event, said: 'This is the 30th year that it's been taking place. It's incredibly popular, lots of families, people from all over the UK, and internationally people come to enjoy the event.
'We'v got three different arenas. One is a warm up spot, one is for the amazing free-standing displays, and then we have the different kite shows that take place.
‘We have got the wonderful aspex gallery doing different bits and pieces for children.
And one kite had caught her eye: 'I have three daughters, so I can imagine the Peppa Pig kite will be a popular one.'
Displays will take place from 10.30am to 5.30pm on Sunday.
1. The International Kite Festival proved to be a family-friendly hit on Saturday
Pictured - Ken Lowe, centre, with sons Lucas Lowe, 8 and Oliver Lowe, 4 from Southampton. Photos by Alex Shute Photo: Alex Shute
2. This weekend's event marks the 30th year of the Portsmouth Kite Festival
Huge static kites have filled the sky over Southsea Common. Photo: Alex Shute
3. Huge kite displays brought out big smiles on some tiny faces
Walter Shute, 10 months, enjoying the kites. Photo: Alex Shute
4. Portsmouth City Council hosted the International Kite Flying Association on Saturday as the city celebrated 30 years of the Portsmouth Kite Festival. Pictured - Huge static kites filled the sky over Southsea Common Photos by Alex Shute
Kite flying enthusiasts had a whale of time on the festival's first day. Photo: Alex Shute