Let’s go fly a kite...
- 80% of us taught to fly a kite by our dads
- 83% of us look forward to teaching our own children
A recent poll conducted by Bedford Borough Council has shown that 90% of us were taught to fly a kite as a child, with eight out of ten of us being taught by our dads.
Of the 1,000 people polled, 83% said that teaching their own children to fly a kite was, or is, something they look forward to doing, highlighting that outdoor activities are still very much on the agenda for many parents.
With the majority of respondents (72%) viewing kite flying as a fun family activity, and with over half (43%) viewing it as an opportunity for a day out in the country, it isn’t hard to see why kites have retained their appeal.
“Flying a kite for the first time is a memory that most of us have and associate with spending time with our families,” says Andy Pidgen, Events Manager, Bedford Borough Council. “It’s refreshing to see that parents still appreciate kite flying as an outdoor activity that can be done as a family and that they’re excited about taking their children out to experience it for themselves.”
The poll has been conducted ahead of Bedford’s International Kite Festival which takes place on 31st May and 1st June. This annual event attracts over 30,000 spectators as well as some of the best kite flyers from around the world, including representatives from Bali, Austria, Sardinia, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Holland and Italy as well as top flyers from across the UK.
The two-day event transforms Bedford’s Russell Park into an explosion of colour and movement created by giant parafoils, stunt flights and displays as well a hot air balloon. In addition, the festival offers a fantastic programme of crafts, a public flying arena, a funfair, food and drinks and a marquee offering the opportunity to make your own kites in hosted workshops – making it the ideal event for all the family!
Note to Editors
Bedford
Bedford is a market town steeped in history and culture, surrounded by picturesque landscape, offering superb employment opportunities and excellent educational, sport and leisure facilities. It offers a multinational population of almost 60 ethnic groups.
Bedford has great connections: it’s only 38 minutes from London by train, offers convenient connections to the south, east and midlands, and is positioned close to the M1 and A1, making it an ideal location for events.
Website: www.bedfordevents.co.uk
More information is available from Ayleen Dunbar and Catherine Hamou at Publicasity
tel: 01442 261199
email: adunbar@publicasity.co.uk and chamou@publicasity.co.uk
