FAQs
Here are a few of the most commonly asked Kite Festival questions that may not be answered elsewhere on the website...if your question isn't answered here, please drop us an email!
How much does the Festival cost to enter?
The festival is free to visitors arriving on foot or by bicycle, and is £7 for car parking (per car). Please DO NOT park on any of the roads around the Festival site, they are all marked 'no waiting/parking' and you will get a ticket!
Can I fly my kite in the arenas?
The cordened off arenas are for registered flyers only - Festival guests and invited members of local, national and international kite clubs and teams. However, Ashton Court has plenty of open space for you to fly a kite, just make sure you're not too close to trees, powerlines or other people! And if you are interested in learning more about kite flying or any of the kite clubs, Festival guests would be happy to chat!
Who organises the Bristol Kite Festival?
A small bunch of dedicated volunteers, including one of the original organisers - Avril Baker! Avril is joined by Lynn Gibbons to make up the Festival's main organising team. Avril and Lynn both do this on a voluntary basis, fitting in time around their 'real' jobs! Avril's daughters Holly and Amy are an invaluable help leading up to and during the event, in the office and onsite. Andy Martin (Lynn's husband) and Dom Hampton run the site, from set-up until the last bit of rubbish has been cleared away. Dave Johnson and the AKF team provide guidance and support, as well as running kite-making workshops and helping with stewarding during the Festival. Over the Festival weekend, the dulcet tones of Paul Renoylds provide the colourful commentary, Tony 'TC' Cartwright helps sort out the flyers and Bella Gough makes sure everyone gets to where they need to be. So a HUGE thank you to everyone for all their time and dedication!!
How many people are at the Festival?
On a good weekend, the Festival can have up to 30,000 visitors! But don't worry - it doesn't feel that crowded! The Festival takes place in the huge public expanse that is the Ashton Court Estate, so there's lots and lots of free (and quiet!) space. And since the Festival programme runs all day, people come and go throughout the day. So there's probably only about 3,000 people on the Festival 'site' at any one time, surrounded by lots of open space and a fantastic view over Bristol!
Can I bring my dog to the Festival?
Dogs are welcome on the Festival site - but we do ask that you keep him/her on a lead, for their safety as much as everyone else's. The crowds can be quite large, with lots of noise, smells and movements that may get dogs very excited. Also, although we can't really hear it, the noise from the kites' lines can bother them as well.
Can I bring a BBQ?
We're afraid not - BBQs are not allowed on the Ashton Court Estate. However, there are lots of lovely food traders to choose from and you're welcome to bring a picnic!
Will the Festival support my charity?
Due to the size and nature of the event, the Festival has only one linked charity every year. For 2009 this is Marie Curie Cancer Care, so we hope you will support them! If your charity is interested in linking up with the Festival in the future, please drop us an email.
