New Brighton Dips hosting Wirral’s annual kite festival this weekend

Jun 9 2010 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

BUTTERFLIES, dragons, teddy bears, birds and sharks and a wide variety of other kites will take to the skies at Wirral’s annual kite festival this weekend.

More than 50 kite flyers are expected at New Brighton Dips on Saturday and Sunday (June 12 and 13) for the Wirral International Kite Festival.

The event, now in its eighth year, attracts kite flyers from all over the world because of the perfect flying conditions on the Dips.

Making their first visit to the UK will be Wang Xiaoping and Tan Xinbo, two of China’s most well know kite flyers.

They will be flying their traditional Chinese butterfly, insect and dragon kites, all hand crafted and made from silk and bamboo.

Prince Ida Bagus Ugrasena N and Princess RA Helmi Ginanti, from Bali’s royal family, are returning this year.

They will demonstrate the art and culture of Indonesian kites and fly traditional Balinese gods, birds and dragon kites.

Councillor David Elderton, cabinet member for Culture, Tourism and Leisure said: “The festival is two fantastic fun-filled days out for all the family with an action packed aerial extravaganza featuring giant inflatable kites, stunt kites and arts kites.

“We are extremely proud to be welcoming flyers from all over the world to Wirral.”

Other international flyers include representatives from Switzerland, Tasmania, Italy, Holland and Australia.

There will also be kite workshops for children, a fairground, trade stands, stalls and food court.

Proceeds from the workshop will be donated to Vision 4 Children, which works towards eliminating global childhood blindness.

The festival takes place from 11am until 4.30pm on both days and admission is free.

For more information call 666 3188.