GRACE HOLGATE
Kite fans from across Queensland are gearing up for the ultimate family day out as the 23rd annual Redcliffe KiteFest approaches this weekend.
The Redcliffe KiteFest is held yearly at Pelican Park, Clontarf on the last weekend of August.
The KiteFest began in 1995 to collaborate Kite Club members looking to share their passion with the local community.
Since then, the festival has grown to be the most popular event on the Redcliffe Peninsula each year, attracting people from all across South East Queensland.
Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism CEO Shane Newcombe said he was looking forward to the event and was expecting this year’s festival to be a hit.
“We are very excited…The event brings tens of thousands of people to Redcliffe every year and we’re eager to show them the beauty of the area,” Mr Newcombe said.
“This year the festival features a fantastic all-new firework show on Saturday, which is sure to be a hit,” he said.
“Also, for the first time ever, illuminated kites will light up the sky in the USC Kite Flying Arena.”
President of the Redcliffe Kite Club, Michael Crowley, along with other committee members, has been preparing for the festival since early this year.
“The planning of [our] KiteFest kite display starts early in the year, starting with selecting which flyers to invite to give a new look for the festival and finding something that has not been seen before,” Mr Crowley said.
“The club is then responsible for all the fliers needs over the weekend to ensure they are able to put on the best show possible.”
While the event attracts mostly kite aficianados, Mr Newcombe said the event was the perfect fun weekend out for all.
“Entertainment will be non-stop, with night time rides, markets, funky stage entertainment on the Kindred Main stage before a huge jet ski stunt show and Carnival Line fireworks finale at 8pm,” he said.
“There will also be the Village Motors Bar & Grill and many food trucks serving delicious food for dinner.”
“Redcliffe KiteFest is the perfect event for everyone with entertainment catered to everyone running all day long, plus who wouldn’t want to spend the day by the water watching colourful world-class kite displays?”