KiteFestivalreturns tocolourthesky
Cape Town’s skies willonce again burst into colour thisspring as the Cape Town International Kite Festival returns for its 32nd year, bringing together thousands of visitors to celebrate hope, resilience and mental health awareness.
The festival, hosted by Cape Mental Health, takes place on 24 and25October at Youngsfield Military BaseinOttery
Sincelaunching in 1994, it has grown into Africa’s oldest kite festival and one of South Africa’s leading mental health awareness events.
This year’s theme, #ColourTheSky, encourages communities to unite in supporting those living with mental health conditions while highlighting the importance of compassion, understanding and seeking help.
“We areexcited to host the 32nd Cape TownInternational Kite Festivalthis spring —atime of growth, renewal and colour,” said Prof Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health.
“The kite festival provides us with an awesome opportunitytobrighten the sky withmessages of hope, stories ofresilience and to celebrate the courage and bravery of those who live with amentalhealth condition.”
Daniels added that the event also provides an opportunity to welcome international, national and localkite fliers while raising much-needed funds and awareness forCape Mental Health.
ASKYFILLEDWITHHOPE
For one weekend, giant kites flown by local and international enthusiasts will transformthe skyline into acolourful display designed to inspirehope and encourageconversations around mental wellbeing.
According to Daniels, the #ColourTheSky themereflectsboth the visual spectacle of the festival and its deeper message.
“#ColourTheSky perfectly captures the visual spectacle and emotional energy of the event. Bright colours naturally trigger feelings of joy, optimism,hopeand positivity despitedifficult and challenging times. Colour overrides darknessand gives hope in the face of adversity,” she said.
Winter carnivalbringsthe fun
MENTALHEALTH
AWARENESSEVENT IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S OLDEST KITE FESTIVALS
She explained that, much like kites soaring against strong winds, people living withmental health challenges demonstrate resilience every day.
MORETHANJUSTKITES
While spectacular kite displays remain the festival’s biggest attraction, visitors canalso enjoy live entertainment, interactive activities, food vendors and family-friendly fun throughoutthe weekend.
Every ticket purchased anddonation madehelps Cape MentalHealth continue providing essentialfree mentalhealth services tovulnerable communitiesacross the WesternCape Theorganisation hopes this year’s festivalwill continue its long-standing mission of reducing the stigma surroundingmentalillness while encouragingpeople to seek support when they need it.
The Cape Town InternationalKite Festival takesplaceonSaturday24and Sunday 25OctoberatYoungsfield Military Base in Ottery. . Earlybirdtickets arenow availablethrough Quicket. Heart FM returnsasthe festival’s official radiopartner,helping spreadthe #ColourTheSkymessage across theWestern Cape
The FunlandSA Winter Carnival continues to bringcolourand excitement to Bellville, with thrill rides, family attractions, carnivalgames and food stalls entertainingvisitors. The annual event,whichisheldopposite DF Akamie on Frans Conradie Drive, runs until 10 August.Tarryn-Leigh Solomons went to take some snapshots.
TheJets ride proved to be afavouritewithfamilies looking fora little extraexcitement
Ryan and Samantha Martin,withKerry Harwonfrom Edgemead,took amoment to relaxwhilethe children were on therides
Joshua,Felicityand AaronGrassie,fromBoston,took abreak from the ridesfor afamilyphoto.
Nasiphi Ngcobo,Thina Mengcane,ThembiNohayi,Mamello Nohayi and Mikhulu Ngcobo,fromKhayelitsha, were allsmiles as theyenjoyedthe carnival.
Lincoln Adams,KellyLawrence,PaigeNeethling and CandiceAdamspausedfor aquick photobetween therides
Colourful kites willonceagain fillthe skiesabove Youngsfield MilitaryBaseinOtterywhen the Cape Town InternationalKiteFestival returns forits 32nd year in October
Giant kites from localand international kite flierswill transform Cape Town’sskiesintoa moving canvas of colour during the Cape Town International Kite Festival.