Portsmouth International Kite Festival

About

Portsmouth International Kite Festival returns to Southsea Common on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, from 10am to 5pm each day. It promises to be a free weekend of colour, creativity and family fun.

As part of Portsmouth100, this year's festival will celebrate with a special theme, '100 Kites for 100 Years'.

Watch hundreds of spectacular kites take to the skies above the seafront, from giant inflatable creations and artistic designs to precision flying displays performed by some of the UK's top kite flyers and international guests.

The festival is free to attend and offers a great day out for all ages.

Timetable for Saturday and Sunday

• 10am - Altitude Sprint; a race against the clock to be the highest in the air
• 10.10am - Flying Fish; dual line display
• 10.25am - Carl Wright; kites flying to music
• 10.40am - Sport/Multi-Line kite celebration featuring displays from: The Flying Squad, The Quad Mob, Jesse Kapsten, Carl Robertshaw and Chris Goff
• 11.40am - Art Kites; the opportunity to see more unique kites from specially invited kite artists
• 12pm - Dragon kites
• 12.20pm - How to fly a kite & demo with Lex/Flying Fish
• 12.40pm - Sport/Multi-Line kite celebration featuring displays from: The Flying Squad, The Quad Mob, Jesse Kapsten, Carl Robertshaw and Chris Goff
• 1.40pm - Kite Trains; see sets of kites flying together
• 2pm - Carl Wright; kites flying to music
• 2.15pm - Art Kites; the opportunity to see more unique kites from our invited kite artists
• 2.35pm - Dragon kites
• 2.55pm - A chance for the public to interact with the invited guests and fly kites in the arena
• 3.15pm - Sport/Multi-Line kite celebration featuring displays from: The Flying Squad, The Quad Mob, Jesse Kapsten, Carl Robertshaw and Chris Goff
• 4.15pm - Art kites; the opportunity to see more unique kites from invited artists
• 4.35pm - Spirits, Angels and Doves Fly; these ethereal kites provide a moment to reflect and remember
• 4.50pm - Mega Team; mass synchronised flight of four line kites
• 5pm - Closing and prizes

Other activities

The kites may be the stars of the show, but there's plenty happening on the ground too.

Families can enjoy:

• Free children's kite-making workshops
• Creative activities from Seekers Create
• Family activities hosted by BH Live
• A visit from the library bus
• A funfair
• Craft stalls and local traders
• Food and drink stalls
• Specialist kite traders

Live music

Take a break from the kite displays and enjoy music from Live at the Bandstand throughout the weekend.

Saturday 12 September

• Katy Glover, 10am - 11am
• The Duds, 11.20am - 12.20pm
• Cadency, 12.40pm - 1.40pm
• Rewind, 2pm - 3pm
• Adam Ede Band, 3.20pm - 5pm

Sunday 13 September

• The Woven Crows, 10am - 11am
• Island City, 11.20am - 12.20pm
• The Ibiza Band, 12.40pm - 1.40pm
• Mayley Bladford, 2pm - 3pm
• The Boppers, 3.20pm - 5pm

Welfare and accessibility

Everyone should feel welcome and comfortable at the festival.

Facilities available on site include:

• Water refill points, so don't forget your reusable bottle
• A dedicated space for breastfeeding parents and families who need a quiet moment
• Welfare support for visitors with additional needs, including those who may benefit from time away from busy areas, provided by TTK Welfare

Anyone needing assistance during their visit can find members of the event team who will be happy to help.

Travel

Southsea Common is easy to reach by foot, bike, bus and car.

Where possible, visitors are encouraged to walk, scoot, cycle or use public transport to help reduce congestion around the seafront.

Visitors travelling by bus can also take advantage of free weekend travel throughout September with First Bus and Stagecoach services.

The PR3 Park & Ride service will run every 20 minutes on Saturday, and every 10 minutes on Sunday, providing a convenient way to travel into the city. This service costs £5 for up to five people travelling together.

Please plan your journey in advance and allow extra time, as the event is expected to be busy.

Staying a little longer?

If you're travelling into Portsmouth for the Kite Festival, and want to stay a little longer, you can explore the area and see the other great things to do along the seafront.