A COLOURFUL display of kites brightened up the skies over Basingstoke last weekend at an annual festival.

Thousands of people flocked to the 24th Basingstoke Kite Festival, held at Down Grange Sports Complex, off Pack Lane, on Saturday and Sunday.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Visitors to the popular event, run by Loddon Valley Kite Flyers, enjoyed glorious weather on the Sunday as they watched impressive arena displays by a host of guest kite flyers from across the UK and further afield including Germany and France.

There was plenty to keep families entertained including kite flying demonstrations, children’s kite making workshops, trade and catering stalls, inflatables and a kite raffle.

Basingstoke Gazette:

It is estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 people attended the event throughout the weekend.

Alan Cosgrove, festival organiser from Loddon Valley Kite Flyers, said: “It was good on Saturday but even better on Sunday. There was lots for children to do and displays in the arena.”

Basingstoke Gazette:

He said the weather conditions were almost perfect on Sunday for kite flying, with a light breeze and sunshine, adding: “I would like to say a massive thanks to all the public for coming along and supporting the event for another year.”

See The Gazette, on sale now, for more pictures from the event. 

Basingstoke Gazette: