POUNDBURY'S Great Field was transformed into a kite‑flying haven as thousands of people turned out for a “beautiful family day out”.
The Let’s Go Fly! Dorchester Kite Festival was a huge success as visitors and locals flocked to the field at the centre of the community, offering a free event perfect for families in the summer holidays.
Having been postponed from its original date in June, the festival sure did not disappoint as giant kites filled the sky, with many visitors trying their hand too.
Olivia Campbell‑Bell had got to grips with her butterfly kite – with the help of mum Hannah and dad Dan.
Dan, who lives in Weymouth, wasn't expecting so many people to be there.
He said: “I was surprised when we pulled up and saw how many people there were – but it was a pleasant surprise.
“It's really nice to have this on in the holidays and it's free which is nice – it's just been a beautiful family day out.”
Professional kite flyer Tim “Dragonmaster” Rohn was showing off his two giant dragon kites – of which there are only four in the UK and 18 worldwide.
Created and made by Rolf Zimmerman, the 120 square ft monsters soared above the ground generating extreme forces.
Mr Rohn was pleased the event had gone ahead after admitting he was concerned when it got cancelled.
He said: “We were gunning for it as we wanted it to work and seeing all these people here, that's what makes the event.
“We are kind of hoping this has a knock‑on effect for kite flying in Weymouth and Bournemouth too.”
As well as the kites on display there was a market selling crafts, food stalls and even a make‑your‑own‑kite station put on by the council.
Art in Poundbury also had a dedicated space where people could get creative.
Artist David Roberts was painting a scene of the festival.
He said: “It's been brilliant and the weather is perfect. It's well attended and well organised, everyone is having a good day.”
Jen Hogg, from Somerset, was with her two daughters Evelyn and Ada who were creating their own masterpieces.
She said: “We love it and like that it's all free and there are plenty of activities for the kids. The kites are pretty awesome.”
Harry Spencer, from Dorchester, was keen to give kite flying a go and bought himself a pterodactyl kite.
“There are stalls selling them, it's my first time doing it and it's good fun, it's been incredible, I really like it,” he said.
The festival was put together by Dorchester Town Council in partnership with Poundbury Events, White Horse Kite Flyers, Art in Poundbury and Don't Forget To Play.
Tourism development officer at the town council, Matilda Manley, said: "We wanted to make it a family day out and it would be lovely if people carry on flying kites through the summer.”
Asked about the festival becoming a permanent fixture of the calendar, she added: “Yeah hopefully, the kite flyers want it to be two days, that way more of them would come. We'll see how we feel once we recover from this year. But they just want to share the joy – it's lovely.”
