The annual Bristol Kite Festival is one of the highlights of the summer calendar in the city, bringing together kite enthusiasts from all over the world for a weekend of fun and flying. The 2014 festival was no exception, with thousands of visitors flocking to Ashton Court Estate to watch the skies fill with color and movement.

The History of the Festival

The Bristol Kite Festival has been running for over 25 years, and has established itself as one of the premier kite events in the UK. The festival was originally started by a group of local kite enthusiasts who wanted to showcase their skills and promote the hobby to a wider audience.

Over the years, the festival has grown in size and popularity, attracting kite flyers from all over the world to participate in displays and competitions. The festival is now a major event on the Bristol calendar, and is eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike.

The 2014 Festival

The 2014 Bristol Kite Festival took place on the weekend of the 9th and 10th of August, and was blessed with perfect flying conditions. The sun was shining, and a light breeze provided just enough lift for the kites to soar.

The festival was held at Ashton Court Estate, a beautiful parkland area on the outskirts of Bristol. The estate provided a perfect backdrop for the colorful kites, with its rolling hills and stunning views over the city.

The Kites

The star attraction of the festival, of course, was the kites themselves. There were kites of all shapes and sizes on display, from traditional diamond-shaped kites to huge inflatable creatures that towered over the crowds.

One of the highlights of the festival was the kite ballet display, where groups of kite flyers performed intricate choreographed routines with their kites. It was a mesmerizing sight, as the kites danced and weaved in perfect harmony.

The Competitions

In addition to the displays, there were also a number of competitions held over the weekend. These included precision flying, where kite flyers had to navigate their kites through a series of obstacles, and the long kite challenge, where the aim was to keep a kite in the air for as long as possible.

The competitions were fiercely contested, with kite enthusiasts from all over the world vying for the top prizes. It was a testament to the skill and dedication of the participants that they were able to make their kites perform such intricate maneuvers.

The Atmosphere

One of the things that makes the Bristol Kite Festival so special is the atmosphere. There was a real sense of community spirit at the festival, with kite enthusiasts from all walks of life coming together to celebrate their love of the hobby.

The festival was also very family-friendly, with lots of activities for children to enjoy. There were face-painting stalls, bouncy castles, and kite-making workshops, as well as plenty of food and drink stalls to keep visitors fueled throughout the day.

The Legacy

The 2014 Bristol Kite Festival was a huge success, and left a lasting legacy in the city. It inspired a new generation of kite enthusiasts, and helped to raise the profile of the hobby in the wider community.

It also showcased Bristol as a vibrant and welcoming city, with a rich cultural heritage and a passion for the arts. The festival is now firmly established as a highlight of the summer calendar, and is sure to continue delighting visitors for many years to come.

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