In pictures: St Annes kite festival gets under way

It's 25C but has felt much hotter!

This year's kite festival in St Annes has begun in glorious sunshine and warm temperatures.

The three-day event spans the Lancashire coast on either side of the pier.

Thousands of visitors are expected to the site, which attracts more than 200 kite fliers from across the world.

There's not been much of a breeze - not ideal for kite flying!

About a third of the kites made it up, but some were struggling

There was a variety of kites from humongous teddy bears to sea creatures...

...To ones with messages such as this one

Thousands of people are expected to turn out to the event with a light display replacing the fireworks display

Bring plenty of water and suncream if you're coming along

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