THE skies above Down Grange Sports Complex will be full of colour in June for the 23rd Basingstoke Kite Festival.

The 2015 international event, which takes place on June 6 and 7, promises to be another fun-filled two days for local families, as professional experts fly kites that soar thousands of feet into the air.

This annual extravaganza, which is sponsored by Gazette Newspapers, attracts kite-flyers from countries all over Europe.

The impressive and very skilful arena shows, from 10am to 5pm, are fun for all ages to watch.

Performers this year include Frances Anderson, Bruno and Laurence Cocandeau, David Ellison, Flying Fish, The Flying Squad, Nick James, Patrice and Michèle Peigne, Josh Mitcheson, Carl Robertshaw, Pauline Taylor, Team Spectrum, Stafford Wallace and Maria, Olivia and James Woods. Alan Cosgrove, event co-ordinator, said: “It’s a great family day out.

“There are displays and a couple of competitions and it’s free, so families can bring a picnic and come for an hour or five hours, because there are things going on inside and outside the arena throughout the weekend.”

The winners of the 2015 Design a Kite competition, the theme of which is Inventions, will be presented with their prizes by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane.