Magical kites take to the skies

25th international festival held at the Zandvlei Nature Reserve in aid of mental health charity IT’S nearly time for the 25th Cape Town International Kite Festival when dragons, sea creatures and kites of all shapes and sizes fill the sky.

Professional kiters from seven countries: Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, the UK and South Africa will be flying their incredible kites to promote mental well-being and support Cape Mental Health, South Africa’s oldest mental health charity.

Here’s the inside information of four free fun-filled activities for your best CTKiteFest experience:

Make a kite (or even two). There are several kite-making workshops each day – all free. From a recycled newspaper jellybean kite to a traditional bamboo swallow or a simple sled kite with the international kiters – there’s lots to choose from.

Enjoy free fun and games in the

Under the Rainbow play tent with facepainting, beading, biscuit-decorating and lots more.

Join the festival parade. Be there at 1.30pm to march along to the world-famous Ashwin Willemse Orient Marching Show Band and a Chinese dragon and soak up the atmosphere.

Bring a blanket and picnic basket, and just relax in the scenic Zandvlei Nature Reserve while you watch the kites.

There will also be kites for sale, food trucks selling your favourite festival foods, craft stalls and funfair rides.

The 25th Cape Town International

Kite Festival is at Zandvlei Nature Reserve, Muizenberg (corner of The Row and Axminster roads) from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Get tickets at the gate or on Quicket at R40 per person and R15 for children (12 and under).

Go to www.capementalhealth. co.za; follow @CTKiteFest on

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; or call Cape Mental Health on

021 447 9040/082 897 8173 or email them at: info@cmh.org.za.

PICTURES: SUPPLIED Learn to make a kite and watch it unfurl among a myriad of other colourful creations from seven countries.