The St Annes International Kite Festival will return in 2026, promising a weekend of spectacular colour and entertainment along the Fylde coast.
The award-winning event will take place from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6, transforming St Annes beach into a major attraction for families and visitors from across the UK and beyond.
The three-day festival will begin with an illuminated kite display on Friday evening, when glowing kites will light up the night sky above the seafront.
Full daytime displays will follow on Saturday and Sunday, featuring world-class kite teams and experienced flyers travelling to St Annes from across the globe.
Now recognised as the largest kite festival in the UK, the event attracts thousands of visitors each year and provides a boost to the local economy, with food and drink stalls lining the promenade and local businesses welcoming the influx of visitors.
The festival is delivered in partnership with SmileFactor10, whose international kite flyers have helped establish the event as a fixture on the global kite-flying calendar.
Councillor Jayne Nixon, Fylde Council’s Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said the festival had become a standout event for the town.
She said: “The Kite Festival has become a jewel in St Annes’ crown, bringing joy to thousands of families while showcasing our beautiful seafront to visitors from far and wide.
“We’re delighted to announce these dates early so everyone can plan to join us for what promises to be another spectacular celebration.”
SmileFactor10 kite flyer Sue Kennedy said the team was looking forward to returning to St Annes.
She said: “St Annes International Kite Festival is now the largest kite festival in the UK, and a world-class event on the kite calendar.
“With kite-flying friends from across the world, we love to put on an impressive show, and St Annes beach is the perfect location.
“We are hugely grateful to Fylde Council for their ongoing support to help us deliver such a spectacle, which brings so many people to the town. See you in September!”
More information and updates will be shared closer to the event via the Discover Fylde website.
. St Annes kite Festival 2025
The St Annes International Kite Festival will return in 2026 | Neil Cross
7. St Annes kite Festival 2025
New for 2025, an artisan market in the Promenade Gardens showcased local producers, while Cotton Traders proudly supported the event as sponsor. | Neil Cross
8. St Annes kite Festival 2025
Cllr Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “The Kite Festival is one of the busiest weekends of the year for our town, and we are delighted to welcome SmileFactor10 back to deliver another spectacular event that showcases the vibrant spirit of St Annes.” | Neil Cross
9. St Annes kite Festival 2025
Craig Harby of SmileFactor10 added: “We’re thrilled to be back in St Annes for another fantastic festival. It’s grown into the UK’s largest and most successful kite event, and we’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from Fylde Council and the many local businesses who make this possible each year.” | Neil Cross
10. St Annes kite Festival 2025
Colourful kites of all shapes and sizes filled the skies above St Annes. | Neil Cross
11. St Annes kite Festival 2025
Crowds gathered along the seafront to enjoy the spectacle. | Neil Cross
12. St Annes kite Festival 2025
Intricate designs and vibrant colours made for stunning displays | Neil Cross