HUNDREDS of spectacular designs took to the Basingstoke sky as part of an annual weekend event, which brings thousands to the town.

The annual Basingstoke Kite Festival, now in its 25th 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 said: “We try and create a real family feel with the event and each year the standard in kites just keeps improving. Some of the designs are incredibly artistic and the designers use the kite as their canvas."

On Sunday, June 4, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Paul Frankum, presented prizes to the winners of a kite designing competition for schoolchildren.

Mr Cosgrove added: “The children who entered were really interested in how the kites were made. And the winning designs chosen by the mayor had the opportunity to see their creation come to life.”