Semaphore’s skies are set to burst with colour as the much-loved Adelaide International Kite Festival returns this Easter for the ultimate weekend of family fun.
Kites of all shapes and sizes will fill the skies over this beachside town as kite enthusiasts showcase their best and brightest creations. From nostalgic childhood characters like SpongeBob and Tom & Jerry to intricate, artistic designs, kite flyers from across the country will gather to share their passion.
It’s hard to believe this massive event started as a simple kite flying competition back in 1997.
Event Planner Kristen Newlyn says it all began thanks to a bunch of passionate locals who just loved kites and wanted to share that joy with others.
“AKFA was started by a group of kite enthusiasts who saw a need for organised events where people could come together to share both their love for kiting and their knowledge,” Kristen explains.
“Interested kite fliers could develop their skills in the company of others more knowledgeable.”
What started small has grown into a much-loved Easter tradition for South Australians and beyond. Families return year after year, and Kristen reckons it is that sense of nostalgia and connection that makes it special.
“The festival has become a tradition for many families coming together over the Easter long weekend,” she says.
“Kite flying reminds many people of their childhood and brings out a playfulness in many.”
Judging by the crowds, that childlike wonder is alive and well.
Of course, the festival looks a little different today compared to its early years.
“The festival has continued to grow over time from the original format of the kite flying competition to the large-scale demonstration it is today,” Kristen says.
These days, the Festival Marketplace stretches along the Semaphore foreshore with more than 40 stalls featuring delicious food and drinks, handmade toys, jewellery, face painting, henna, and plenty of kites to buy if you forgot to pack your own.
And it is not just South Aussies who turn up. The festival has become a much-anticipated event for kite flyers across Australia and even from overseas.
“It is a highlight on their calendar too, an opportunity to come together with the kite flying community, their friends, and to fly in the beautiful beach location that is Semaphore,” Kristen says.
Making the trip this year is the Clifford family from Victoria. According to a post shared by the festival, dad Nigel is busy packing “whatever kites he can stuff into the car,” while his kids are keen to show off their new HQ M Quad and rainbow HQ Symphony Parafoil.
Also heading over from Victoria are Rod Steere and Aggie Duncan, long-time favourites of the festival crowd. Aggie has been working on choreography for her kites, while Rod is planning a costume change mid-flight, just to keep things interesting. It is these playful, quirky touches that make the event such a crowd-pleaser year after year.
So, what can visitors expect this time around? Kristen says there will be plenty to look up at.
“They can expect the brilliant and colourful large-scale display that our event is known for including the inflatable kites that our event has become known for. Kites will be in the sky and on the ground with a growing ground display featuring penguins, turtles, ladybugs, cars and more.”
It is not just local talent on show either.
“We will have international kite-flying guests from both New Zealand and America, as well as our South Australian and interstate guests,” Kristen says.
It is shaping up to be one of the biggest festivals yet.
As for the stars of the sky, many of the crowd favourites will be returning.
“Lots of the old favourites are back including the whale, unicorn, dragons, shark and rays,” Kristen says.
And for fans of everyone’s favourite animated blue heeler family, there is even more to be excited about.
“Our kite flyers are always busy making new kites to share. This year we have it on good authority that we can expect a visit from the incredibly popular Bluey and Bingo flying in our Semaphore skies.”
Whether you are a kite enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do with the family, the Adelaide International Kite Festival is set to bring colour, creativity and plenty of smiles this Easter.
The festival runs from Saturday 19 April to Monday 21 April on Semaphore Beach and Foreshore. The Festival Marketplace will be open from 11 am to 5 pm each day, with kite flying running until 4 pm, weather permitting. Bring your own kite, grab one at the festival, or just come along to enjoy the show.
Adelaide International Kite Festival
Where: Semaphore Beach and Foreshore
When: Saturday April 19th until Monday April 21st
For more information, click here.
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