Kites to soar

KITES of all shapes and sizes will take to the sky next month as the Kids+ Kite Festival returns to Geelong.

The annual event is back for its fourth year on October 6 and is designed to promote a sense of belonging and community connection with a fun, accessible and inclusive day.

While the kites are flying, there’s plenty of other activities on offer for the family including bubble artists, face painting, food trucks and more.

Participants will also be able to learn more about what Kids+ does in the community.

Normally attracting about 1000 people, Kids+ marketing manager Sharon Gibbons said attendance for the event is growing each year, with 2024 looking to be the biggest yet.

“The Kids+ Kite Festival was created as an event where everybody, regardless of ability, can come along and enjoy the simple act of flying a kite,” Ms Gibbons said.

“With this event we hope to progress the thought that all events should be accessible to everybody.

“Inclusion is second nature to us at Kids+; we don’t give it a second thought and we hope to inspire others to invite the concept of inclusion into their lives too.”

Kids+ is based in Geelong and provides paediatric allied health therapy and support services for families, children and young people with disabilities.

The Kite Festival Ambassador Program was launched last year and gave children the task of promoting the event. Fifteen ambassadors promoted the festival to their families, friends and schools this year.

“The efforts have been remarkable with some children who communicate using alternative and augmentative communication devices who have presented at school assemblies,” Ms Gibbons said. “To see those children move outside their comfort zones, when typically they may not have is powerful.”

Those heading to the festival can take their own kites, make one, or buy one through the Kids+ website.

The festival is free to attend and will run at Rippleside Park from 11am until 2pm. For more information or to purchase a kite, head to kidsplus.org.au/kites