Kites ready to take flight at new festival in Leeds

Over 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from all over the country.

Visitors can expect some of the world’s largest inflatable kites, portraying a variety of well-known characters as well as an exhilarating parachuting teddy bear drop.

Children can bring in their bravest teddies that will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky, equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.

With entry to the kite festival included in the Lotherton admission, the event also offers a fun house, bumper cars and face painting at an additional charge. There will also be food stalls available on site.

Lotherton Kite Festival is organised by The Northern Kite Group who are behind the hugely popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar.

Lotherton Hall, located in Aberford, also boasts a zoo with penguins, capybaras and wallabies, and for the summer they are once more running their famous deer park tours. Taking pre-booked visitors out on a tractor trailer, the tour gets them up close with the herd of red deer living on the estate.

Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this kite festival to Lotherton for the very first time, one which I’m sure will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.

“Lotherton is one of our most loved attractions and it has so much to offer for the summer, with a full activity schedule for the school holidays as well as Wildlife World and deer park tours.”

Sarah Duncalf, secretary from Northern Kite Group said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a kite festival to Lotherton this summer. The sight of spectacular kites filling the sky is something visitors won’t want to miss.

“From giant inflatable characters and breathtaking displays to our ever-popular teddy bear parachute drop, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. We’re looking forward to creating a weekend full of colour, excitement and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”

The festival will take place from 10am until 5pm on 22 and 23 August, in the events field. See all events at Lotherton at What's on at Lotherton | Leeds Museums and Galleries.

ENDS