International Idols
This year, the Kite Festival is thrilled to be joined by some of the world's top kite fliers and designers! Here are just a few of those International Idols...check back soon for info on more guests!
Peter Lynn (New Zealand)
A Festival favourite, Peter is one of the kite worlds’ true visionaries. Not only has he created some of the most spectacular single line kites on display at this years’ festival, but he is also the father of modern kite traction sports. His distinctive and colourful manta ray kite is a regular at Bristol whilst his octopi, geckos, turtles, teddy bears and latest 3D flying flags are crowd pullers at kite festivals around the world. He also often brings his unique commentary to the powerkiting arena displays!
Janneke Groen (The Netherlands)
Janneke is one of the longest standing overseas guest flyers to the Bristol Festival. She is one of the leading experts in applique which involves stitching different colours onto the kite to create a patchwork quilt which when flown allows the light to create a stained glass effect. Janneke has a background in textiles and her trademark is the application of her designs onto distinctive Japanese ‘sode’ or kimono kites. Janneke has recently been involved in the O-Mills kite wind power project with Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels and also has many other passions - including gardening, cheese and rollerblading!
Gerard Clement (France)
Gerard is the Founder and President of the French Federation of Kite and Vice-Président of the International Federation of Kites. With more than 30 years of kite flying, Gerard is the owner of an impressive kite collection from around the world, and as the author of of 5 books and editor of numerous articles, he has been acknowledged for his work in development and in preservation of the traditions of the kite in France. Gerard has also organised the Berck-sur-mer Kite Festival for the past 24 years.
Marco Cassadi (Italy)
Marco, an Italian now living in France, is a regular visitor to Bristol and one of the hardest working flyers on the field. His is known for his wonderful array of larger than life mermaids and Neptune kites which he often flies one above the other in a train. He has also developed a series based on traditional Italian culture including a Harlequin and Pinnochio whilst his latest designs include a 3D Coyote, a boat and a cherub designed in collaboration with fellow Italian Claudio Capelli.
