Planning on organizing a Kite Festival!

by Gilbert K.
(Byblos, Lebanon)

Q:

I'm detailing a plan for our city's first Kite Festival ever, well actually it's the country's first as well. I know there are many enthusiasts for kites like my self. But I haven't practiced on a professional level before.

I'm from Byblos in Lebanon, and I'm studying Event Management.

We have Mediterranian weather, and it's not windy all the time. I'm planning the event to take place sometime between May and June, and I'd be grateful if you could help with some guidelines about the area needed, the most appropriate weather, and so on...

A:

Off the top of my head, here are some tips just from a general kite-flying perspective...

1) Try to pick an area that is as open as possible. In other words, far away from tall buildings, trees or land features. Smooth air makes things easier.

2) As for size, the bigger the better really. After the first event you will have a better idea of how much space is needed per flier, given the local wind conditions.

3) You can't pick your weather if you pick a date, of course. But what you can do is try to ensure that at least some of your kite-fliers are prepared for any wind speed. For example, someone might have a collection of very light-wind kites. Someone else might be into KAP (Kite Aerial Photography) and be able to put up a Flowform in quite strong winds. Many of the more expensive retail kites have large wind ranges that would take care of everything in between the 2 extremes just mentioned. Cellular kites with graphite spars for example.

Bottom line - the more variety of kites, the better your chances of something flying high all day!

4) Invite 1 or 2 guests with special expertise to attend the event. Advertise what's so special about them or their kites, to help draw people to the event. For example, someone who can do amazing things with 2 or 4-line stunt kites. Or someone who can supervise the lofting of a massive kite that will really grab people's attention.

I hope this helps. I've been to a few festivals, but never actually organized one myself!

Anyone reading this who knows anyone involved in organizing kite festivals should invite them to post a comment here...

Help Gilbert get the first-ever Lebanese Kite Festival off to a great start! Not to mention putting in a plug for your own event here. ;-)