Kites Connect Festival: a celebration of culture and kites at Dunstable Downs

Published:: 11 May 2025

looking towards the windcatcher, the grass at the Downs is full of people picnicking and flying kites. The blue sky is full of colourful kites. — The skies come alive for Kites Connect Festival | © National Trust Images/Meg Taylor

Introducing: Kites Connect Festival, a revival of our popular Kite Fest last held in 2018. With a fresh perspective and a deepened commitment to serving our local community, it's more than just a kite festival; it's a celebration of unity and access in our local green spaces.

2 - 3 August | 10:00 - 17:00

Join us for a free, two-day festival to experience the magic of kite strings weaving connections between us all.

What's the history of Kite Fest?

The Dunstable Downs Kite Festival was for many years the highlight of our summer at Dunstable Downs, a remarkable event that saw the skies come alive with the colourful and dynamic art of professional kite flying. However, operational challenges were a constant part of this journey, and the last Kite Festival was held in 2018.

But that wasn’t the end of our story. In 2024, we revived the festival as Kites Connect Festival with a fresh perspective and a deepened commitment to serving our local community.

Following the incredible success, Kites Connect Festival is set to return to the National Trust’s Dunstable Downs this summer for another celebration of community, creativity, and the wonder of kite flying.

How is Kites Connect Festival different?

Bringing the Dunstable Downs Kite Festival back to life was a vital step in our community strategy to connect with our diverse audiences and break down barriers to access. Our re-focused festival aims to create an environment where our visitors from all walks of life can come together to enjoy kite flying, the fresh air, and breathtaking views. Kites Connect Festival therefore has a more authentic and audience-centric feel, closer to the National Trust values that we have worked hard to instil in our programming over the years.

What to expect?

A 90-metre arena hosting a mesmerising display of kites from professional and amateur groups from around the world.
Commentary depicting the fascinating history of kite flying across cultures and a celebration of Dunstable Down's heritage.
A range of workshops for all to get involved in.
Bring or buy your own kite and let loose on our designated kite flying field.
Experience global flavours from diverse food stalls.
Local produce and crafts.
The chance to connect with local community organisations.
Our usual visitor offer, with Visitor Centre, cafe and shop.

For any further information or questions, please contact dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk

What's avaliable on the day?

Our Visitor Centre will be open and running as usual:

Stop by our our shop for a selection of gifts and souviners to remind you of your visit. Inspired by our kite arena? A colourful array of classic kites, or dual line stunt kites are also avaliable for you to choose from.
With a spectacular view over the Vale of Aylesbury our café will be serving a variety of hot and cold food, drinks and tasty treats to power you through the day. An ice cream van will also be on site.
Join us for a mini kite craft and see if you can get yours to fly!

We will have a selection of local shops, catering, and activities joining us for the weekend. Full details to be announced soon.