SPIRITS and kites are set to be lifted when the St Ives Kite Fest returns on Saturday, March 29.

Revived by St Ives Town Council in 2022, this annual community event is led by the culture team who will collaborate once again with ‘Dr Kite’ Billy Wynter and local art teacher Laura Peach, known for running the weekly St Ives Library Art Club.

“There’s something magical about watching kites dancing in the sky,” said Emma Gibson, head of culture and community for St Ives Town Council.

“This year our ‘Dr Kite’ has created a new design working with recycled and eco-friendly materials with a theme of ‘Sea Serpents’. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for perfect flying weather and can’t wait to see how many kites we can get in the air! Whether you’re a maker, a flyer, or a spectator, there’s something for everyone.”

This year’s community making includes working with local schools, the return of family Kite Making Day on Saturday, March 22 and the new edition of early evening making workshop for Adults 16+ on Thursday, March 20, all taking place at The Cornerstone, St Ives Library.

For those who prefer to simply enjoy the spectacle, Flight Day will take place on March 29, from 1pm to 3pm on St Ives Island. Everyone is welcome, wrap up, bring a kite or simply watch the sky fill with colour and movement.

Mayor of St Ives, Cllr Johnnie Wells, said: “Every year Flight Day draws a great crowd of enthusiastic kite flyers and even if you aren’t flying a kite it is quite a spectacle seeing that many kites all flying at once. Whether you’re flying or watching the display, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate our shared history and community spirit. As they say, the only thing better than flying a kite is flying a kite with others!”

Event Highlights:

To reserve a kite making place, visit the Cornerstone Library Building in person, call 01736 796297, or book online at stives.ticketsolve.com.

For more details about the event, visit stiveskitefest.co.uk.