Brighton Kite Festival

The Brighton Kite Festival is scheduled to take place at Stanmer Park on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. While this winter date is a departure from tradition—the festival, which is recognized as one of the UK's oldest, usually takes place over a weekend in July, with historical dates consistently falling around the first or second week of the month—the location remains the same. It is known locally as a fantastic day out, offering great fun for all the family, and in previous years, such as 2018, it has drawn an estimated attendance of 6,000 people.

The main feature, naturally, is the spectacle of Kite Flying. The festival brings together a colorful exhibition of kites in every shape and size imaginable, from tiny single-line models right up to some of the largest kites flown in the UK. Beyond the visual display, you can catch world-class flying exhibitions. This includes precise individual and team displays put on by some of the best sports kite flyers from around the world. If you are interested in the competitive side, they also feature kite fighting, demonstrating both the Indian and rokkaku styles.

Historically, this has been a free public festival, making it an accessible day out for everyone. It’s particularly geared toward families, offering a dedicated children's kite workshop where kids can build their own creations, which are then put on display. If you are planning your day, the event typically runs from 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning until 17:00. For those traveling, Stanmer Park is easily accessible; for example, if you are coming from Lewes, taking the train to Falmer and using the subway is recommended. Just a heads-up if you are bringing your own equipment: the park is known to be quite gusty, and the space, combined with the crowds, means it might not be the best spot for activities requiring a lot of room.