The UK's largest and oldest kite festival, featuring demonstrations, artisan stalls and kite vendors, with the 100 Kites theme for the centenary of Portsmouth's city status.
The Portsmouth International Kite Festival returns to Southsea Common on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, from 10:00 to 17:00 both days. It's the 34th edition, and it holds the title of the UK's oldest and largest kite festival, so it's a bit of a local institution by now.
This year's theme is 100 Kites, a nod to the centenary of Portsmouth receiving city status. The skies over the Common will be filled with a mix of single-line, cellular, and three-dimensional soft kites, with the centenary theme running through it. There are demonstrations of the art of flying and making kites, and British and European champions will be flying multi-line kites to music. On the ground, you'll find craft stalls and local attractions, alongside kite sellers with gear to buy if you fancy starting your own collection.
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It's described as a family day out, and that's pretty much the whole point: it's an outdoor activity for families and kite enthusiasts alike. The festival is free to attend, so you can just turn up with whoever you like. If you're a trader and want a spot, you'll need to fill out the online trader application form in advance. Otherwise, just head down to Southsea Common on the 12th or 13th of September, between 10:00 and 17:00, and look up.
