SEDGEFIELD NEWS - The Garden Route Kite Festival returns to Sedgefield for its 10th edition this Sunday, 18 October, promising a colourful day of spectacular kites, family entertainment, live music and international visitors.

The event will showcase giant inflatables, handmade artistic creations and colourful designs flown by South African and international kite flyers.

Among the local participants are Danielle, Kwagga and Jacques Fourie, and the Binsbergen family - Pieter, Leonie and Xavier. Xavier began flying kites with his father at three, while Pieter combines his contemporary art background with kite making. Pieter and Jacques have attended every edition since the festival's inception.

International highlights include England's Dave and Claire Hardwick of Team Octoposse, making their South African debut with quirky inflatable kites, and Germany's Bernhard Dingwerth, a three-time German Kite Builders Championship winner. Flyers from the Netherlands, Belgium and Wales will also participate, alongside returning American visitors Phil and Carly Broder.

Fun for the whole family

Beyond the kites, children can enjoy a bouncy castle, Bungee Bounce, face painting, sack races and other activities. Schools and Scouts will participate in the school banner challenge and upcycled kite competition, while the popular agility dog display returns.

More than 25 craft stalls, food vendors and live music will add to the atmosphere. Visitors can bring their own kites, enter flying competitions or purchase kites at the event.

Raffle prizes include a children's bicycle, accommodation at Beacon Island Resort and Blackwaters River Lodge, a handcrafted quilt and a pottery piece donated by Claire Hardwick.

The festival also celebrates organising partner and beneficiary Masithandane's 20th anniversary. RE/MAX Coastal returns as a supporter for the third consecutive year.

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