Kites Connect Festival: a celebration of culture and kites at Dunstable Downs

Join us for a free, two-day festival to experience the magic of kite strings weaving connections between us all.

What's the history of Kite Fest?

The Dunstable Downs Kite Festival was for many years the highlight of our summer at Dunstable Downs, a remarkable event that saw the skies come alive with the colourful and dynamic art of professional kite flying. However, operational challenges were a constant part of this journey, and the last Kite Festival was held in 2018.

But that wasn’t the end of our story. Since then, we've been hard at work, driven by a vision to revive the festival with a fresh perspective and a deepened commitment to serving our local community. Introducing: 2024's Kites Connect Festival!

How is Kites Connect Festival different?

Bringing the Dunstable Downs Kite Festival back to life is a vital step in our community strategy to connect with our diverse audiences and break down barriers to access. Our re-focused festival aims to create an environment where our visitors from all walks of life can come together to enjoy kite flying, the fresh air, and breathtaking views. Kites Connect Festival will therefore have a more authentic and audience-centric feel, closer to the National Trust values that we have worked hard to instil in our programming over the years.

What to expect?

• A 90-meter arena hosting a mesmerising display of kites from professional and amateur groups from around the world.
• Commentary depicting the fascinating history of kite flying across cultures and a celebration of Dunstable Down's heritage.
• A range of workshops for all to get involved in.
• Bring or buy your own kite and let loose on our designated kite flying field.
• Experience global flavours from diverse food stalls.
• Local produce and crafts.
• The chance to connect with local community organisations.
• Our usual visitor offer, with Visitor Centre, cafe and shop. Summer of Play will also be available to take part in.

More information will be revealed soon. Please keep checking back for updates!

For any further information or questions, please contact dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk

Design a Kite competition

Calling all young artists and nature lovers! Let your imagination take flight as we invite you to take part in our 'Design a Kite' competition, open to anyone aged 18 and below.

Theme: ‘What Does the Countryside Mean to You?’

We want you to design a kite that shows your love of the countryside. Whether it’s rolling hills, blooming flowers or cute wildlife, we invite you to draw what the countryside means to you using the template provided.

How to Enter:

1. Download the kite template.
2. Use the template to draw your design, showing us why you love the countryside.
3. Using the space provided, describe in a few sentences what inspired your design and what the countryside means to you.
4. Submit your completed template page entry: either via email, post, or in person, ensuring all your details are written clearly in the spaces provided.

There are two age categories:

1. Under 12s
2. 12-18

A winner and runner up will be chosen from both categories.

Prize:

Winner - one winner from each age category will have their kite design transformed into a real kite, which will be flown in a special display during the Kites Connect Festival weekend.

Runner up - one runner up from each category will receive a kite from our shop to enjoy.

Important Dates:

Opening date - 1 July 2024

Submission Deadline - midnight on 22 July 2024

Winners Announced - 26 July 2024

Kite Festival Weekend - 17 and 18 August (you must be available to attend on one of these days)

How to Submit:

There are three ways to give us your entry

1. Email your designs to dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk, subject line 'National Trust: Design a Kite Competition'
2. Post your designs to 'National Trust: Design a Kite Competition', Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY.
3. Drop them to a member of our team at our Visitor Hub.

Make sure to include your name, age, and contact information in the space provided on the template.

You must be a UK resident and under 18s will need permission from a legal parent, guardian or carer to apply.
For full terms and conditions.

For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out to us at dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk

We can’t wait to see your fantastic designs and celebrate the spirit of the countryside through your eyes.