Kitesurfing Armada fest back with a bang
15,000 people enjoyed the day
EUROPE’S leading kitesurfing and music festival was back with a bang as 15,000 people enjoyed a stunning spectacle blessed by fine weather and winds.
Hayling Island’s Kitesurfing Armada Festival 2021 was back boasting a new bigger site and more exciting music line-up than ever, led by ‘90’s band Dodgy, despite fears it may never return to its former glories.
Playing host to the British Kitesurfing Championships, the event from Friday to Sunday saw a host big names from the ever-growing world of kitesurfing.
Professional kitesurfer Lewis Crathern was ambassador for the event that saw five-time world champion Aaron Hadlow and fellow world champion Katie Evans win the overall championships in the men and women’s tournaments respectively.
Organiser Angus Chilvers said: ‘Due to Covid we did worry the event may never come back to what it was and we would lose support but it has been brilliant. Havant Borough Council have been amazing with their help.
‘We’ve had big surfing brands here and professional and amateur kitesurfers. The wind was brilliant on Friday and Saturday and meant we were able to get through the whole championships then with the surfers showing all their tricks.’
Emma Beckinsale, distributor for Duotone, said: ‘It’s been really good with lots of wind and a good turnout of riders.
‘It’s a great location and has been good for the public to see kitesurfing and get the community involved in the sport post Covid, especially lots of children who have come down and had a go.’
Festival-goers were also treated to delicious festival food, entertainment including slacklining, circus skills, power kite sessions and beach yoga.
Local schools were encouraged to visit on Friday to the Big Schools Day to learn more about sustainable wind energy and discover ways to take care of the planet.
The festival site also operated a zero single-use plastic policy encouraging visitors to take advantage of reusable festivalcups.
And those who attended were impressed. Julia and Glyn Cheesman, of Waterlooville, were pleased to be at the festival. ‘We’re here to blow away a few cobwebs and have a good time,’ Julia, 56, said.
Glyn, 47, added: ‘We normally come to the festival. It’s fun to watch and is an enjoyable atmosphere.’