Kite festival in its 5th year

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Kiters from across the world will again showcase a range of modern and traditional kites at the fifth Eden Kite Festival this weekend, 13 to 16 December.

The organisers promise that spectators will be amazed and entertained over the four-day event held in George and Knysna.

This year's event has attracted 25 kiters; 11 from across South Africa and 14 others from as far as Scandinavia, Europe, Asia and Southern Africa.

The venues:

• 13 December: Sedgefield - Kite Fly preview at Myoli Beach from 14:00 till 18:00.

• 14 December: George - Sasol Kraaibosch, next to the N2 highway, from 09:30 till 16:30.

• 15 and 16 December: Knysna High School fields, Waterfront Drive, from 09:30 till 16:30.

According to one of the organisers, Jacky Weaver, 11 kiters from Gauteng, the Eastern and Western Cape will be joined by four from India, three from Finland, two from England, one from Zimbabwe, two from Poland, one from Singapore and one from Indonesia.

Despite its growth, the festival will remain true to the principles upon which it was founded in 2015 and remains a unique family-focused outdoor celebration - not just for children but for all ages to enjoy. However, it promises to wow spectators even more than in previous years. With the support of Rotary Club George and Rotary Club Knysna, the event will continue to aid the Masithandane Bursary Fund, ensuring disadvantaged children can attend school by providing transport, stationery, clothing and toiletries.

It offers the chance to learn about hundreds of years of kite history, much of which is deeply ingrained in some countries' cultures.

Kite-flying festivals are great fun for the whole family.

The first Kite Festival was held at Karatara in 2015 and attracted around 1 000 spectators. The second and third were held in Sedgefield and attracted 2 000 and 3 000, respectively.

The fourth, held jointly in George and Sedgefield last year, attracted around 3 800. The organisers hope to reach in excess of 5 000 spectators this year.

For more information on the event, contact Jacky Weaver on 082 414 2133, or check out their Facebook page, Eden Kite Festival.

Kite flying offers great photographic opportunities, so it's no surprise that there is a competition with categories for adults and juniors.