Colourful characters will paint the sky next weekend as Lotherton Hall gears up for its first ever Kite Festival, taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August.
More than 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from across 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, which will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.
Entry to the Kite Festival is included in general Lotherton admission, with a fun house, bumper cars and face painting available at an additional charge, alongside food stalls on site. The festival is organised by the Northern Kite Group, who are also behind the popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar.
Lotherton Hall, in Aberford, also has a zoo with penguins, capybaras and wallabies, and is once again running its deer park tours for the summer, taking pre-booked visitors out on a tractor trailer to get up close with the herd of red deer living on the estate.
A brilliant day out
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 of the 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 runs from 10am until 5pm on both days, in the events field at Lotherton.
