Discover more at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Find out when Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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.
Join us for a free, two-day festival to experience the magic of kite strings weaving connections between us all.
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. Since then, we've been hard at work, driven by a vision to revive the festival with a fresh perspective and a deepened commitment to serving our local community. Introducing: 2024's Kites Connect Festival!
Bringing the Dunstable Downs Kite Festival back to life is 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 will therefore have 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.
Please keep checking back for updates!
For any further information or questions, please contact dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk
Our Visitor Centre will be open and running as usual:
We are please to annonce that the following shops, catering, and activities will also be joining us for the weekend!
Retail:
Catering:
Activities:
Sam & Saskia Storytelling: reading from The Little Red Kite
Dunstable History Society
We are excited to announce the kite flyers taking to our arena for Kites Connect Festival!
WINNERS HAVE NOW BEEN ANNOUNCED!
Calling all young artists and nature lovers! Let your imagination take flight as we invite you to take part in our 'Design a Kite' competition, open to anyone aged 18 and below.
Theme: ‘What Does the Countryside Mean to You?’
We want you to design a kite that shows your love of the countryside. Whether it’s rolling hills, blooming flowers or cute wildlife, we invite you to draw what the countryside means to you using the template provided.
How to Enter:
There are two age categories:
A winner and runner up will be chosen from both categories.
Prize:
Winner - one winner from each age category will have their kite design transformed into a real kite, which will be flown in a special display during the Kites Connect Festival weekend.
Runner up - one runner up from each category will receive a kite from our shop to enjoy.
Important Dates:
Opening date - 1 July 2024
Submission Deadline - midnight on 22 July 2024
Winners Announced - 26 July 2024
Kite Festival Weekend - 17 and 18 August (you must be available to attend on one of these days)
How to Submit:
There are three ways to give us your entry
Make sure to include your name, age, and contact information in the space provided on the template.
You must be a UK resident and under 18s will need permission from a legal parent, guardian or carer to apply.
For full terms and conditions.
For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out to us at dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk
We can’t wait to see your fantastic designs and celebrate the spirit of the countryside through your eyes.
If you joined us this weekend, please consider filling out our survey. Your feedback helps us to plan for future events and ensure you love spending time at places you love! Thank you.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VR9YBKG
Find out when Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.