Kite festival set to wow again

The hugely successful Otaki Kite Festival is back this weekend at Otaki Beach, with even more activities than the inaugural festival last year.

Organiser Barbara Franks says the emphasis this Saturday and Sunday is on getting people involved so they can enjoy the fun of kite flying.

“Last year we had a great array of show kites that visitors enjoyed watching,” Barbara says. “This year we’ve still got those kites to fill the sky over the beach, but also some stunt kites flown by experts, a business house kite-fighting challenge and lots of opportunities for kids and adults to fly their own kites and win prizes. There will also be plenty of stalls this year.

"The weekend will be a lot of fun for everyone – and it’s free.”

As a bonus, at 4pm each day, the nationally renowned Fuse Circus is performing on stage next to the surf club. Fuse Circus has been receiving rave reviews around the country for its Campground Chaos show, which will be performed for the Otaki audience. The show is a mix of madcap theatre and acrobatics, taking an irreverent look at the typical Kiwi camping holiday.

Kite flyers are bringing kites from around the country, and some from overseas. They include Peter Lynn Kites of Ashburton, who make some of the world’s best show kites.

Ian Carson, the chairperson of the Otaki Village Promotions Group, which is organising the event, says Otaki Beach and the dates have been chosen carefully.

“The beach is ideal for the kite festival because of its expansive sandy foreshore, good vantage points for viewing the activities, plenty of parking and, of course, ideal breezes,” he says. “And early March is generally good for fine weather, plus the tides are right.

“As a beach, Otaki is one of the best in New Zealand. It’s got plenty of space for activities and with Kapiti Island as a backdrop, there are amazing photo opportunities.”

The festival begins at 10am each day, with the Fuse Circus performance from 4-5.30pm.

ENDS

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