The skies above St Annes will once again be filled with colour this week as the award-winning St Annes International Kite Festival returns to the Fylde coast.
The popular event, organised by Fylde Council in partnership with kite flying group SmileFactor10 and supported by St Annes Town Council, will take place from Friday, September 4, to Sunday, September 6.
Visitors can expect spectacular kite displays from teams travelling from across the UK and beyond, with five flying arenas set up on the beach near St Annes Pier.
One of the highlights of the weekend will be the illuminated kite flying display on Friday evening, when specially lit kites will take to the air after dark.
A fairground will also be operating on the beach throughout the festival, while additional food and drink stalls will line the Promenade.
For 2026, organisers have also introduced an artisan market in Promenade Gardens, featuring local food, drink and craft producers.
The market will run on Saturday and Sunday from 11am.
Kite flying is scheduled to take place from noon until 10pm on Friday, including the illuminated display, from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday.
The fairground will continue operating into the evening on Saturday.
Organisers have stressed that the event is entirely weather dependent and that timings or activities could change for safety reasons.
Families attending the festival will have access to information points, first aid teams, additional toilets and security staff.
Visitors bringing dogs will be able to watch some of the action from a designated flying arena outside the beach's dog exclusion zone.
The festival is also being expanded beyond the seafront through a new town centre art trail.
Fifteen shop windows across St Annes have been decorated with kite-themed artwork created by local primary school pupils and painted by Durose Studios.
Visitors can follow the self-guided trail, collect hidden letters and enter a prize draw to win a kite hamper.
Participating businesses include Dawson Art & Craft Emporium, Fresh Café, Holland & Barrett, Orchard Tea Rooms, The Cheese Emporium and Wood Street Coffee.
Read more
Organisers are also encouraging visitors to explore St Annes town centre during the festival weekend, with its shops, cafés, restaurants and Ashton Gardens located just a short walk from the beach.
Additional event parking for up to 600 vehicles will be available on South Promenade, while St Annes railway station is around a five-minute walk from the festival site.
The St Annes International Kite Festival runs from Friday, September 4, to Sunday, September 6. Admission is free.
Share