- The Cape Town International Kite Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary at Melkbosstrand Beach, raising awareness for mental health.
- Despite rainy weather, families and participants filled the skies with vibrant kites under the theme #HopeOnAString.
- Local and international kiters showcased impressive displays, making it a memorable event for all ages.
Rain did not damper the festivities as the Cape Town International Kite Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary at Melkbosstrand Beach yesterday (Sunday 27 October).
Colourful kites adorned the sky, raising awareness for mental health while passionate participants and spectators came together in support. Though the weather was dreary, the vibrant spirit of the festival radiated, highlighting themes of community, resilience, and well-being.
With the theme #HopeOnAString, it is one of Cape Town’s most cherished events, raising awareness of mental health every October.
Excited giggles and cheers filled the air as children took to the open field opposite the beach, joyfully flying their colourful kites. With faces lit up and eyes glued to the sky, the little ones embraced the thrill of seeing their kites catch the wind and dance above them.
One of the spectators told TygerBurger on Sunday she brings the whole family every year to fly their kites.
“We don’t have those giant kites, but the kids love flying their small kites,” says Robin van Staden.
This year, the van Staden family packed lunches and spent the day at the beach.
“Although the weather did not play along, we still had a blast!” she says.
The event also featured extraordinary local professional kiters such as Mari and Bradley Ware-Lane, Bobby Gathoo, Brian Skinner, Frans Marais and others, as well as Tony Jetland from California, USA and Amel Amita, Najah China and Afef Sebti all the way from Tunisia.
