Kite Festival celebrates arts grant '“ but still needs cash backing

But financial backing is still urgently needed to help ensure the event’s longer-term future.

The festival on the resort’s beach has gained a glowing national and international reputation since making its debut six years ago and it has been predicted that visitor numbers could reach 80,000 when it takes place from August 31 to September 2.

A grant of £14,350 from Arts Council England will allow the 2018 event to include a whole host of new features, including workshops and demonstrations.

But a stipulation of the grant money is that it can only be spent on arts-related features, not on general running costs, which last year ran to some £18,000.

The Festival organisers are confident there is enough in the kitty to meet those costs this time – but have renewed their appeal made earlier this year for local businesses to help ensure the event has a future.

“We are really excited about the Arts Council England grant and we have some wonderful new features in store this year,” said organisers spokesman Helen Ficorilli.

“They include making lanterns for the night fly on the Friday, workshops and a community sculpture.

“But the bottom line is still the same – we need financial support to make sure the event can happen next year and beyond.”

Anyone interested in backing the festival should contact [email protected] or 07980 992872.