Spring in St Ives is truly magical. Clear blue skies, crisp sea air, and expansive skies. As the clocks spring forward and we leap into a new season it’s perfect time to embrace the elements with a fun, free event for everyone – St Ives Kite Fest 2025 is back, ready to lift your spirits and your kites!
Revived by St Ives Town Council in 2022, this annual community event is led by the culture team, who are thrilled to collaborate once again with the brilliant ‘Dr Kite’ Billy Wynter and local art teacher Laura Peach, known for running the weekly St Ives Library Art Club.
“There’s something magical about watching kites dancing in the sky,” says Emma Gibson, Head of Culture and Community. “This year our ‘Dr Kite’ has created a new design working with recycled and eco-friendly materials with a theme of ‘Sea Serpents’. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for perfect flying weather and can’t wait to see how many kites we can get in the air! Whether you’re a maker, a flyer, or a spectator, there’s something for everyone.”
This year’s community making includes working with local schools, the return of family Kite Making Day on 22nd March and after feedback back from several adults keen to have workshop of their own, the new edition of early evening making workshop for Adults 16+ on 20 March all taking place at The Cornerstone, St Ives Library.
For those who prefer to simply enjoy the spectacle, Flight Day will take place on Saturday 29th March, from 1 pm to 3 pm on St Ives Island. Everyone is welcome, wrap up, bring a kite or simply watch the sky fill with colour and movement.
“The Island has always been a place where the St Ives community comes together,” shares Mayor Councillor Johnnie Wells. “From drying washing in the past to hosting events like plays, and even the Radio 1 Roadshow, the tradition of gathering here continues with Kite Fest. Every year Flight Day draws a great crowd of enthusiastic kite flyers and even if you aren’t flying a kite it is quite a spectacle seeing that many kites all flying at once. Whether you’re flying or watching the display, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate our shared history and community spirit. As they say, the only thing better than flying a kite is flying a kite with others!”
Event Highlights:
- Adult Workshops (Ages 16+): Thursday 20th March, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm BYO drinks and snacks – (limited spaces – booking recommended) The Cornerstone Library & VIC
https://www.facebook.com/events/933527585572115 - Family Kite Making Workshops: Saturday 22nd March, from 10am (limited spaces – booking recommended) The Cornerstone Library & VIC
https://www.facebook.com/events/1527395997939216/1527396004605882/ - Flight Day: Saturday 29th March, 1 pm to 3 pm The Island -all welcome
https://www.facebook.com/events/1558106041557587
How to Book:
To reserve a kite making place, visit the Cornerstone Library Building in person, call 01736 796297, or book online at stives.ticketsolve.com. For more details about the event, visit stiveskitefest.co.uk.
Come join us to celebrate spring, creativity, and community at Kite Fest 2025 – we’ll see you in the sky!
For more information please contact St Ives Town Council on:
enquiries@stives-tc.gov.uk
01736 797840
Photo credits: Nik Read and Tom Harrison
