The skies above Filey are set to be a spectacle this September as the Filey Kite Festival returns, bigger and better than ever. This year, the festival has partnered with the town’s popular Food and Drink Festival, promising a weekend full of awe-inspiring kites and delicious local produce. Taking place at Filey Brigg Country Park on the 21st and 22nd of September, the free event is expected to draw large crowds.
Organised by North Yorkshire Council and the Northern Kite Group, the festival will feature some of the UK’s top kite flyers and the most vibrant and creative kites. Previous years have seen giant octopus, pandas, and clownfish take to the skies, and this year promises to be no different.
Among the top highlights is Newcastle’s Josh Mitcheson, a seasoned competitor in Sport Kite Championships across Europe, who will be showcasing his skill with a kite flying performance set to music. Fresh off captaining Team UK in the Kite World Cup, where they narrowly missed the podium, Josh will be one to watch.
In an exciting new twist, the festival will also be joined by the Filey Food and Drink Festival, allowing visitors to indulge in a range of local delights between kite displays. Exhibitors will include favourites like Filey Distillery, Wilde Bakery, Scrumptious Cakes and Bakes, and All Seasons Fruit Shop, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Cllr Mark Crane, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, commented: “This promises to be a fantastic event with the skies above Filey Brigg filled with amazing kites. But not only that, while people are looking skywards, they can also enjoy some of the finest food and drink the county has to offer.”
The event timetable is packed with exciting displays, including a Teddy Bear drop where children can catch parachuting teddies, and aerial performances set to music, such as the Sky Duet by Gargrave’s Alan and Becky Poxon. Alan, an experienced kite maker and event commentator, will also share his knowledge of kite-flying, offering festival-goers a deeper insight into the world of kites.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the combination of stunning kites and mouthwatering food is sure to make this year’s Filey Kite Festival an unforgettable experience. With the event subject to weather conditions, organisers recommend checking the schedule closer to the date, but one thing’s for certain – the festival is set to soar.
So, pack a picnic blanket, bring the family, and head to Filey Brigg Country Park for a weekend of high-flying fun and delicious local treats.
