Achill to host first Mayo International Kite Flying Festival

ORGANISER Francois Colussi, Pure Magic Kite Surfing. Pic: Michael McLaughlin

Anton McNulty

ONE of the world’s leading kites flyers will be in Achill next weekend for the first Mayo International Kite Festival, which will take place on Keel Beach.
Dolphins, crocodiles and giant teddy bears will be among thecreatures that will be flying over the waves for the fun event, which takes place this Sunday, July 30, from 11am to 4pm.
The annual Dublin Kite Festival, which was held at Dollymount Strand in June, attracted up to 12,000 people.Mayo organisers hope to attract a large number to Achill.
“Achill in the summer time is full of families but is also a place with lots of wind. We decided to celebrate the wind and came up with the idea of the first Mayo International Kite Festival,” explained Francois Colussi of Pure Magic, who along with Mayo.ie is organising the event.
“This is a very unique event, as anyone can come along and fly their kite. It is a free family-fun event and open to everyone to take part, whether they are two years old or 90. All you need is your kite and hopefully the wind will be in our favour and a great day’s fun is guaranteed. The sky will be full of colour,” he added.

World’s best
Scotsman Andrew Beattie, who is regarded as one of the world’s best kite flyers, will make the trip to Achill for the festival, and Francois said they are very excited to have him.
“Andrew Beattie is our VIP guest and is one of the top ten kite flyers in the world. We met him in Dublin in June. It was his first time to Ireland and loved it. We said if you like the east you will love the west and invited him to come to Achill.
“Normally he has to be booked a year in advance but luckily for us he said he had a free day,” Francois said.
 Francois explained that there will be kite-flying demonstrations and a workshop for young people on how to make their own kite. He added that it will be a wonderful day for the island, as the annual St Colman’s Garden Fete also takes place that afternoon and families will be able to attend both events.