Kite festival returns after six-year break

Kite flying has always been a popular past time at Dunstable Downs, the National Trust said

A kite festival is set to take off again after a six-year hiatus.

The Kites Connect Festival will be held on 17 and 18 August at Bedfordshire's highest point, the National Trust's Dunstable Downs.

Leah Calnon, from the charity, said: "We’re confident this new event will have much more of a community feel to it."

The free festival, last held in 2018, has been made possible after new funding was secured from Central Bedfordshire Council and others.

The National Trust said "it's more than just a kite festival; it's a celebration of unity and access in our local green spaces"

Jessica Eykel, from the National Trust, said: "We did have a kite festival up until 2018, it had to come to an end due to operational challenges."

She said issues like funding and staff capacity made it no longer viable, but due after securing extra funding, some from Central Bedfordshire Council and further support, it will return.

Organisers said it was set to be a really "exciting event"

Ms Calnon, senior volunteering and community officer, said: "We’ve been working hard to bring back a kite festival that the community on our doorstep wants to experience, that’s also sympathetic to the landscape we care for.

"It’s all about creating an environment where everyone can come together to enjoy kite flying, the fresh air, and breath-taking views."

A 90-metre arena has been created that will host professional and amateur displays from across the world, alongside workshops.