'Not to be missed' - Dates set for St Annes International Kite Festival 2026

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.

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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.

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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.