The third Eden Kite Festival takes place at the huge Eden Lawns fields in Sedgefield on 22 October 2017. Building on the amazing success of the first two events, this year should see at least another doubling in terms of attendance thanks to the new location along the N2.

The list of kiters that will entertain this year with their mind-boggling kites isn’t complete yet, but confirmed already are 8 from around South Africa as well 7 international flyers from Poland, England, Germany and Tasmania. Eden is attracting increasing international interest, being seen as an exciting and enjoyable stop for kiters en route to the longstanding Cape Town International Kite Festival. And let’s not forget our Garden Route kiters who regularly decorate the local skies during the year.

There will be some unique creative designs this year, with 2 of the international participants – Karl Longbottom from England (who was at Eden in 2015) and Robert Brasington from Tasmania – being regarded as 2 of the finest artistic kitemakers in the world.

Once again there will be a full programme of entertainment catering for all ages, and an expanded craft and food market. There are two new features being planned:

• A trail run starting and ending at the kite field
• An attempt to set a South African record of 2 000 kites in the air simultaneously, flown by the public

Watch for more details on those as plans progress.

The popular Team Kite Battle has become a firm favourite of the event. Teams of 3 fly 6-sided traditional Japanese fighting kites (called Rokkakku’s) and attempt to knock each other out of the sky – last one up wins! Kites and instruction are provided and after a chance to practice and plan strategy, the battle begins. Teams are invited to dress up, bring along family and friends and join the fun.

The event is, as always, in aid of Masithandane and all proceeds go directly to them for their many projects that support and uplift the disadvantaged of Sedgefield and the region.