Portsmouth International Kite Festival returns to Southsea Common on Saturday and Sunday, 26-27 July 2025, featuring spectacular colourful kites of all shapes and sizes, expert flyers demonstrating their impressive skills, live music performances, exciting fairground rides, and completely free admission.
The beloved annual event makes its comeback, bringing a vibrant spectacle of colour to Southsea Common across the weekend. Visitors can witness a diverse array of kites in every conceivable shape and size, with skilled professionals showcasing their aerial artistry to captivate audiences. The festival runs from 10am until 5pm each day, with no entry fee required.
This year’s programme includes a ‘Live at the Bandstand’ musical lineup, alongside traditional funfair attractions, trade stands featuring local vendors, and abundant food and drink options.
Portsmouth City Council organises the cherished kite festival annually, drawing approximately 10,000 attendees over the weekend duration.
Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt commented: “Our International Kite Festival ranks amongst the year’s most beloved occasions. We feature exceptional kite flyers who demonstrate their techniques and expertise, whilst providing extensive entertainment suitable for families and visitors of every age.”
Due to the continuing Southsea coastal defence construction, this year’s festival area on the common has been reduced compared to previous editions, resulting in two kite display zones rather than the customary three. To compensate, organisers have introduced a dedicated model balloon section where enthusiasts can display their collections.
Additional entertainment and activities come courtesy of local groups, featuring enormous puppets from 432 Nomads, community arts workshops by Seekers Creates, and interactive programmes run by Aspex Portsmouth.
Snows BMW & MINI Portsmouth serves as a supporting sponsor, showcasing a range of electric vehicles from their collection for public viewing.
