The Aspire 1^st International Kite Festival kicked off today as large crowds gathered to participate in the first day of this unique event.

Part professional competition, part community festival, the meticulously planned five-day event comprises a unique programme of entertainment that offers something for everyone.

Professional and amateur kite flyers set to take part

Running until Saturday, April 29, teams of top international kite flyers from 13 countries will compete in a range of individual and team sports kite events. A range of synchronised kite performances and displays will also take place throughout the festival.

Over 5,000 kites will be provided free of charge during the festival. In addition, amateur enthusiasts and young children will be able to design and decorate their own kites. Specially designed workshops will provide inspiration and ideas for how to build and decorate a kite, as well as tips and tricks for flying them and easy to follow explanations of kite aerodynamics.

Competition prizes galore

Thanks to the generous support of Festival sponsors Katara Cultural Village, Qatar Airways, Ooredoo, Nikon and Kiddy Zone, members of the public can enter several creative competitions to win an array of impressive prizes

A photography competition running on Instagram will capture perspectives of the festival through the eyes of the visitors and participants themselves. To take part, entrants should post to Instagram using the hashtag #AspireKitePhoto. A panel of judges including representatives from the Qatar Photographic Society will then select four lucky winners who will be awarded amazing prizes ranging from Qatar Airways flights to Nikkon cameras.

A poster competition to encourage youngsters to express their creative side will seek out the best illustration of a kite in the skies above Aspire Park. Participants can post their entry to @aspirezone on Facebook for a chance to win giveaways from Kiddy Zone.

Fun for all the family

The event programme has been designed to provide entertainment options for the whole family. These range from a photo booth wind machine to F1 simulators, or the chance to relax and explore beautifully appointed wind gardens. A range of delicious food and beverage options including some of Qatar’s most popular food trucks are also on offer to tempt visitors’ tastebuds.

Several thousand spectators are expected to attend the unique event over the course of the five days, which is taking place at Aspire Park. The festival is expected to be a major draw given the uniqueness of the spectacle and the rich and varied elements in the programme.

Qatar’s schools sign up to take part

A dedicated schools programme will also cater to students from schools around Doha who will be invited to attend the Festival and take part in a series of specially designed, fun competitions and activities. 500 schools have been invited to participate. The three highest scoring teams stand to win impressive cash prizes. The team taking first place will walk away with QAR 30,000, second-place winner will take home QAR 20,000, while third-place winner will receive a QAR 10,000 prize. All winners will be announced during the Festival’s closing ceremony taking place on April 29 at 7pm at Aspire Park.

Kholoud Al Hail, CEO of Aspire Katara Hospitality, said:

“This event is unlike anything else in Qatar. We’re excited to open the 1^st Aspire International Kite Flying Festival, and to invite the people of Doha to visit. From professional competition, to fun and engaging activities for families – we have it covered. We’re very pleased with the response so far, and expect even more interest in the coming days as residents and visitors in Qatar join us to colour the skies.”

Aspire’s first International Kite Festival is set to become an annual event, further demonstrating Qatar’s capabilities and expertise in hosting major international sports and cultural activities.

For more information and for a full timetable of activities, please visit: www.aspirezone.qa.

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar

QNE

Start a discussion