Kites flying high at new beach festival
BLUE skies – and maybe an occasional cloud – will be the backdrop to a kaleidoscope of colour as hundreds of kites take flight at the Jewel/Bleach International Kite Festival this weekend.
The inaugural event will bring kite flyers from around the world, with activities and demonstrations on Surfers Paradise beach.
Chris Robson from Leading Edge Kites has been flying kites for almost 30 years and had only one tip for first-time flyers – hold them high and let them soar.
“All the kites on the weekend will be the single-string kites, and all you have to do is hold them and let out the string,” he said.
“It’s being outdoors, no batteries, no screens, you go outside and play with it, which kids don’t do anymore.
“So it’s a real thrill for them to get something they can play with and get outside.”
Bleach Festival general manager Matt Wilson said the festival was a way to bring the community and families together to enjoy the Gold Coast.
“There will be flying demonstrations, we’ve got kite making workshops and lantern making workshops, a lantern parade – just plenty of fun and activities on the beach,” he said.
“We thought what a great opportunity in the school holidays to just get the kids outside and give them a whole bunch of stuff to do.”
Get your kite making template in tomorrow’s and take your completed kite along to the Jewel International Kite Festival on Sunday for your chance to win a $500 shopping voucher.
The winner will be announced before the sunset lantern parade at 6.15pm. Terms and conditions apply.