Portsmouth International Kite Festival returns with special '100 Kites for 100 Years' theme
Kites at the ready
The sky will be brimming with vibrant kites as the International Kite Festival returns with a special theme celebrating Portsmouth 100 up its sleeve.
Southsea Common will once again welcome kite enthusiasts on September 12 and 13 as the international festival returns as part of Portsmouth's centenary celebrations.
Supported by Portsmouth City Council and organised in partnership with The Kite Society of Great Britain, the event will help celebrate 100 years since Portsmouth was granted city status with a special theme of '100 Kites for 100 Years'.
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."
Recognised as the UK's largest and longest-running kite festival, the event will fill the skies with hundreds of colourful kites, including giant 3D creations, artistic designs and precision flying performances set to music.
Visitors can expect displays from internationally renowned kite flyers from the UK and overseas while enjoying free children's kite-making workshops, craft activities, a funfair, local traders, refreshments and specialist kite stalls.
Families can also enjoy live entertainment as part of the popular Live at the Bandstand programme, alongside family activities from BH Live, creative activities from Aspex, creative workshops from Seekers Create and a visit from the library bus.
Free bus travel will be available during weekends throughout September with First Bus and Stagecoach, with visitors being encouraged to use the free service, walk or cycle.
For more information about the kite festival, click here.