FANTASTIC displays of kite flying attracted thousands of people to an annual event at the weekend.

The Basingstoke Kite Festival, now in its 23rd year, drew in an estimated 8,000 people to Down Grange Sports Complex, off Pack Lane on Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors to the popular event, which is run by Loddon Valley Kite Flyers, benefited from almost perfect conditions for kite flying and enjoyed sunshine over both days.

Festival co-ordinator Alan Cosgrove told The Gazette: “It went very well and there was a good turnout. We had good weather which made flying conditions near perfect.

“We had flying displays from guests from France, Germany and a special guest from Texas in America and there were lots of things for kids to do." The guests make it easier because they like coming back to Basingstoke.”

On Sunday, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner, presented prizes to the winners of a kite designing competition for schoolchildren.

Over 250 entries were received this year using the theme of inventions.

Oliver Cavill won the Key Stage One (ages five to seven) category with his design featuring a montage of cars, a television, traffic lights, a washing machine and a computer, while Amy Laishley was declared winner of the Key Stage Two (ages seven to 11) category.

Amy’s winning design was a kite shaped like a rocket.

Other activities at the festival included a workshop where people made their own kites before having a go at flying them.