St Annes Kite Festival called off

The event, which traditionally attracts tens of thousands of visitors, was due to be held on the beach for a ninth year in mid-September but Fylde Council has announced its cancellation because of continuing Government guidance and restrictions on social distancing and large gatherings.

Coun Cheryl Little, chairman of Fylde Council’s tourism and leisure committee, said: “I am disappointed for everyone - participants, residents, local businesses and visitors alike that we will not be able to see the skies filled with hundreds of colourful shapes and sizes of assorted spectacular kites this year, but we have to recognise there is still a pandemic, which has seen so many events cancelled this year, including many for September.

"Adding the attraction of the kite event to what could also be a busy weekend and also not knowing what restrictions we could be working with in September, it is sadly just not possible to stage the event this year.

"Therefore, we have to now look forward to spectacular 2021 for an event not to be missed.”

Craig Harby, from kite flier team Smile Factor 10 said “We absolutely love putting on this event in St Annes.

"It attracts visitors from all over the world and so we are naturally really disappointed not be able to put on the show this year.

"We had been hoping that guidance might allow for the event to take place this year, in some way, but we fully understand that with current uncertainties of what may or may not be in place in September that it is just not possible.

"The safety of the public, kite flyers, local people and businesses has to be paramount and we will plan to return next year with a brilliant show for everyone. ”

TheFestival is set to return in 2021 on a date to be released in due course dependent on predicted tide movements.