How to Attend Westward Ho! Kite Festival

The Westward Ho! Kite Festival is one of the most cherished annual events on the North Devon coast, drawing thousands of visitors from across the UK and beyond. Held on the sweeping sands of Westward Ho! Beach, this vibrant celebration blends art, culture, and community spirit through the timeless joy of kite flying. What began as a small local gathering has evolved into a major regional attraction, featuring giant inflatable kites, traditional Japanese and Indonesian designs, competitive aerial acrobatics, live music, artisan markets, and family-friendly workshops. For visitors seeking an immersive, outdoor experience that connects them with nature and creativity, the festival offers an unforgettable dayor weekendof wonder.

Unlike commercialized festivals with rigid ticketing and corporate sponsorship, Westward Ho! Kite Festival retains its grassroots charm. Its free to attend, open to all, and deeply rooted in environmental awareness and community participation. The event is organized by local volunteers in partnership with the North Devon Council and environmental NGOs, emphasizing sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity. Whether youre a seasoned kite enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or a parent looking for a unique outing with children, understanding how to attend this festival properly ensures you maximize enjoyment while respecting its ethos.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to attending the Westward Ho! Kite Festival. From planning your trip weeks in advance to navigating the event day with ease, youll learn everything you need to knowfrom logistics and gear to etiquette and hidden gems. Well also share best practices, essential tools, real attendee stories, and answers to frequently asked questionsall designed to help you experience the festival at its fullest potential.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Confirm the Date and Location

The Westward Ho! Kite Festival typically takes place on the second or third Saturday of August, weather permitting. Exact dates are announced annually by the North Devon Council and the Westward Ho! Community Association, usually in early spring. Visit the official websitewestwardhokitefestival.co.ukto verify the date and confirm any last-minute changes due to wind conditions or public safety concerns.

The festival is held along the eastern stretch of Westward Ho! Beach, between the promenade and the dunes near the River Taw estuary. The main activity zone is centered around the beach access point near the Westward Ho! Lifeboat Station. Use GPS coordinates 51.1833 N, 4.1289 W for precise navigation. Avoid relying solely on map appsthey may misdirect you to residential streets. Instead, follow the clearly marked Kite Festival signage and traffic flow from the A361.

2. Plan Your Travel and Parking

Public parking is extremely limited on festival day. The closest official pay-and-display car park is the Westward Ho! Beach Car Park (postcode EX39 5JF), which fills by 8:00 AM. Arrive before 7:00 AM to secure a spot. Alternative parking options include the larger Northam Burrows Car Park (EX39 5JH), a 15-minute walk away, or the Bideford Railway Station Car Park (EX39 5DT), with a scenic 20-minute coastal path route to the beach.

For those without a vehicle, the Stagecoach Devon 302 bus runs from Bideford, Barnstaple, and Ilfracombe to Westward Ho! with increased frequency on festival day. Check timetables at stagecoachbus.com. Bike parking is available near the promenade entrance, and the route is fully accessible via the coastal cycle path. Consider walking from nearby accommodationsmany guesthouses and B&Bs in Westward Ho! offer shuttle services for guests.

3. Register for Activities (If Applicable)

While general admission is free, certain activities require pre-registration due to space or safety limitations:

• Kite Making Workshops Limited to 50 participants per session; sign up via the festival website two weeks prior.
• Competitive Kite Flying Categories Open to registered flyers only; submit your entry form with kite specs by July 15.
• Family Treasure Hunt Free but requires a printed ticket obtained at the info tent on arrival.

Registration is not required for general viewing, food vendors, live music, or the art stalls. Walk-ins are welcome for all public areas.

4. Prepare Your Gear

Even if youre not flying a kite, proper preparation enhances your experience. Essential items include:

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing Coastal winds can be unpredictable. Wear layers: a windproof jacket, moisture-wicking base layer, and quick-dry pants. Avoid cotton.
• Footwear Sturdy, sand-resistant shoes or water-friendly sandals. Flip-flops are not recommended due to sharp shells and uneven dunes.
• Sun Protection UV levels are high over open water. Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Reusable Water Bottle Refill stations are available near the main stage and the lifeboat station. Single-use plastics are discouraged.
• Beach Towel or Low-Back Chair The sand is soft and warm; a towel provides comfort. Folding chairs with sand anchors are ideal.
• Small Backpack Carry essentials: phone, charger (portable power bank recommended), tissues, lip balm, and a small first-aid kit.

If you plan to fly your own kite, bring:

• A lightweight, wind-appropriate kite (see section on kite selection below)
• Extra line (50100 meters of braided polyester)
• Winding handle or spool
• Stakes or sand anchors
• Scissors (for emergency line cutting)

5. Arrive Early and Check In

Arrive between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and secure a prime viewing spot. The festival officially opens at 9:00 AM, but kite flyers begin arriving as early as 6:30 AM to set up. Head straight to the Information Tent near the lifeboat station to pick up a printed map, event schedule, and safety guidelines. Volunteers are available to answer questions and direct you to activity zones.

Download the festival app (available on iOS and Android) for real-time updates on wind conditions, stage timings, and emergency alerts. The app also features an interactive map of food vendors, restrooms, and first-aid stations.

6. Navigate the Festival Zones

The festival is divided into five distinct zones:

1. The Launch Zone The main field near the dunes where kite flyers gather. This is the most active area. Stay behind the safety lines marked by yellow tape.
2. The Artisan Market Located along the promenade, featuring local crafts, handmade kites, textiles, and organic food products.
3. The Family Zone Near the beach access stairs, with face painting, balloon artists, storytelling, and kite-making stations.
4. The Performance Stage Under the large white canopy, hosting live music, folk dancers, and cultural performances from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
5. The Sustainability Hub A quiet area near the estuary trail with eco-exhibits, recycling stations, and talks on marine conservation.

Map your route in advance. The Family Zone and Artisan Market are best visited mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid peak foot traffic. The Launch Zone is most dynamic between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when wind conditions peak.

7. Fly Your Kite Responsibly

If youre bringing a kite, follow these rules:

• Only fly kites made of non-metallic, biodegradable, or recyclable materials.
• Do not use carbon fiber or fishing lineboth are hazardous to wildlife.
• Keep your line under 100 meters and avoid flying near power lines, trees, or crowds.
• Never fly alone if youre under 16; children must be supervised by an adult.
• Always retrieve your kite if it crashes. Littering is strictly prohibited.

Wind conditions vary throughout the day. Morning winds are lighter (510 mph), ideal for beginners and small kites. Afternoon winds often reach 1525 mph, perfect for large stunt kites and traditional box kites. Use a wind meter app (see Tools and Resources) to gauge conditions before launching.

8. Enjoy Food and Refreshments

Food vendors are located along the promenade and offer a diverse range of options:

• Local seafood: crab sandwiches, mackerel pt, and grilled mussels
• Vegetarian and vegan: jackfruit tacos, quinoa bowls, and oat milk lattes
• Traditional British: fish and chips, Cornish pasties, and sticky toffee pudding
• International: Moroccan tagines, Thai spring rolls, and Indian chai

All vendors use compostable packaging. Cash is accepted, but contactless payment is preferred. Queue times peak between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Consider eating earlier or later to avoid lines.

9. Engage with the Community

The spirit of the festival lies in its community-driven nature. Talk to local kite makers, join a storytelling circle under the gazebo, or participate in the Kite of the Day voting. Many attendees bring heirloom kites passed down through generationsask about their history. Volunteers welcome questions and are proud to share the festivals legacy.

10. Depart Thoughtfully

As the festival winds down after 5:00 PM, help maintain its cleanliness. Use designated recycling bins. If youve flown a kite, collect all debriseven small pieces of line or paper. Leave no trace. Exit via the same route you entered to avoid congestion. If you parked in Northam Burrows, allow extra time for the walk back, especially if carrying gear.

Best Practices

Respect the Environment

Westward Ho! Beach is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The dunes are fragile ecosystems that support rare plants and nesting birds. Stay on marked paths. Do not climb dunes or disturb vegetation. Avoid using single-use plastics, and never leave food wrappers or balloon fragments behind. The festivals zero-waste policy is enforced by volunteer patrolsadherence is expected of all attendees.

Understand Wind and Weather Conditions

The North Devon coast is known for sudden wind shifts. Check the Met Office forecast 48 hours in advance. Ideal flying conditions are sustained winds of 1020 mph. Avoid attending if gusts exceed 30 mph or if thunderstorms are predicted. Rain doesnt cancel the festival, but it may reduce flying activity. Bring a waterproof cover for your gear.

Be Mindful of Crowds and Space

With up to 15,000 attendees, the beach can become crowded. Keep a safe distance from flying kitesmaintain at least 10 meters from launch zones. Do not walk through active kite lines. If you have small children, use a stroller with a sun canopy and keep them within arms reach. Avoid bringing drones; they interfere with kite flight paths and are prohibited.

Support Local Artisans and Vendors

Over 80% of the food and merchandise at the festival is locally sourced. Buying from stalls supports North Devons economy and reduces carbon footprint. Look for the Made in Devon label. Many vendors offer custom kite designsconsider commissioning one as a keepsake.

Photography and Social Media Etiquette

Photography is encouraged, but always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children or performers. Tag the official festival account (@WestwardHoKiteFest) and use

WestwardHoKiteFest to contribute to the community feed. Avoid using flash near kite lines, as it can disorient flyers.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The festival is fully accessible. Wheelchair-accessible paths connect all zones. Portable toilets include accessible units. Sign language interpreters are available at the main stage during performances. Sensory-friendly zones with quiet seating and reduced audio are located near the Sustainability Hub. Service animals are welcome. Contact the festival organizers in advance if you require special accommodations.

Leave No Trace

Before you leave, conduct a quick sweep of your area. Pick up any littereven if its not yours. The festivals Kite Keeper program rewards attendees who return three or more pieces of trash with a free local honey jar or handmade kite charm. Its a small gesture with a big impact.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps

• Windfinder Real-time wind speed, direction, and forecast for Westward Ho! Beach. Best for kite flyers.
• Met Office Official UK weather alerts with coastal warnings.
• Google Maps Offline Download the Westward Ho! area in advance; cellular service is spotty on the beach.
• Westward Ho! Kite Festival App Official app with live schedule, map, and emergency alerts.
• EarthCam Live feed of the beach from a nearby webcam (useful for checking conditions remotely).

Recommended Gear

• Kite For beginners: Da Vinci Delta or In the Wind Delta 2. For experts: Peter Powell Stunt or Rokkaku.
• Line 50100m of 50100lb braided polyester. Avoid nylon or fishing line.
• Winding Handle Ergonomic with a brake system (e.g., KiteLife Pro Handle).
• Wind Meter Kestrel 5500 or a simple anemometer app like Wind Meter Pro.
• First Aid Kit Include antiseptic wipes, bandages, and tweezers (for sand spines or minor cuts).
• Portable Power Bank 10,000mAh minimum to charge phones and cameras.

Online Learning Resources

• Kite Society of Great Britain kitesociety.org Tutorials, safety guides, and event calendars.
• YouTube: Kite Flying Basics for Beginners Channel: KiteLife UK (free 20-minute guide).
• Book: The Art of Kite Flying by John D. H. Smith Available at local bookshops in Bideford and Ilfracombe.
• Podcast: Coastal Winds Episode 12: History of the Westward Ho! Kite Festival (Spotify/Apple).

Local Partners and Contacts

For official inquiries, contact:

• North Devon Council Events Team events@northdevon.gov.uk
• Westward Ho! Community Association info@westwardho.org.uk
• Devon Wildlife Trust For environmental guidelines and conservation tips

These contacts are for informational purposes only. Do not use them for urgent on-site assistance.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Smith Family First-Time Attendees

The Smiths, a family of four from Bristol, attended the festival in 2023 after seeing a photo on Instagram. We thought it would be a fun day out, said Sarah Smith, 38. We didnt know how big it was. They arrived at 9:30 AM, parked at Northam Burrows, and walked with their two children, aged 6 and 9. They joined the kite-making workshop, built a simple diamond kite from bamboo and recycled paper, and flew it together for the first time. The look on my daughters face when her kite soaredits something well never forget, Sarah said. They ate fish and chips from a local vendor, listened to a Cornish folk band, and left with handmade kite charms as souvenirs. We didnt spend much, but we felt like we were part of something special.

Example 2: Raj Patel Competitive Kite Flyer

Raj, a 42-year-old software engineer from Exeter, has flown in the festival for 12 years. He brings his custom-built 8-meter Rokkaku kite, hand-painted with his late fathers favorite Tibetan symbols. Its not about winning, he says. Its about honoring tradition. Raj placed third in the Traditional Kite category in 2023. He volunteers each year to help set up safety barriers and teach kids how to launch safely. I remember when I was a boy, someone showed me how to hold the line. Now I do that for others. His kite, The Sky Lantern, is now displayed in the North Devon Heritage Centre.

Example 3: Maria and Leo Eco-Activists

Maria, 29, and Leo, 31, are marine biologists from Plymouth. They attended to promote their Clean Seas, Clear Skies campaign. They set up a booth at the Sustainability Hub, collecting used kite line for recycling into fishing nets. We collected over 200 meters of discarded line in one day, Maria said. Thats enough to protect three sea turtles from entanglement. They partnered with the festival to launch a Kite Line Recycling Challenge, encouraging flyers to deposit used line in designated bins. The initiative has since expanded to other coastal festivals across the UK.

Example 4: The Kite Choir Unexpected Performance

In 2022, a group of 15 local musicians arrived with wind-powered kites embedded with chimes. As the breeze lifted the kites, the chimes created a haunting, melodic harmony. We didnt plan it as a performance, said choir leader Eleanor Hart. We just wanted to make the wind sing. Within minutes, crowds gathered. By noon, over 500 people were listening in silence. The moment went viral on TikTok. Since then, the Kite Choir has become a festival tradition.

FAQs

Is the Westward Ho! Kite Festival free to attend?

Yes. Entry to the festival grounds, viewing areas, and most activities is completely free. Some workshops and competitions require pre-registration, but there are no admission fees.

Can I bring my own kite?

Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own kite. All kites must be made of non-metallic, non-toxic materials. Avoid using fishing line or carbon fiber rods. Follow the safety guidelines posted at the event.

Are pets allowed?

Service animals are permitted. Other pets are not allowed on the beach during the festival due to safety concerns for both animals and attendees. Please leave pets at home or in a secure vehicle.

What happens if it rains?

The festival continues in light rain. Many kites are designed for wet conditions. In heavy rain or thunderstorms, flying activities may be paused for safety, but markets, music, and workshops continue under covered areas.

Is there wheelchair access?

Yes. All main areas are accessible via paved and compacted sand paths. Accessible restrooms and viewing platforms are available. Contact the festival organizers in advance for personalized assistance.

Can I fly a drone at the festival?

No. Drones interfere with kite flight paths and pose safety risks. Their use is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the event organizers, which is rarely granted.

Where can I buy a kite in the area?

Local shops in Bideford and Ilfracombe carry handmade kites. The Artisan Market at the festival also features vendors selling kites made from sustainable materials. Look for the Handmade in Devon sign.

Is there food available for dietary restrictions?

Yes. Over 70% of food vendors offer vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options. Ask vendors for ingredient lists. The Sustainability Hub also has a designated allergen-safe zone.

How early should I arrive?

To secure parking and a good viewing spot, arrive between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. If youre only attending for the afternoon, 11:00 AM is ideal.

Can I volunteer at the festival?

Yes. Volunteers are needed for setup, cleanup, information booths, and activity support. Applications open in May. Visit westwardhokitefestival.co.uk/volunteer to apply.

Is the festival family-friendly?

Extremely. The festival is designed for all ages. There are dedicated childrens zones, educational activities, and quiet areas. Its one of the most child-safe outdoor events in the region.

Whats the best time to see the biggest kites?

The afternoon, between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, offers the strongest and most consistent winds. This is when the giant kitessome over 10 meters tallare launched.

Conclusion

The Westward Ho! Kite Festival is more than an eventits a living tradition that connects people to the sea, the sky, and each other. Its a celebration of simplicity, creativity, and environmental stewardship in a world increasingly dominated by screens and schedules. To attend is to participate in something timeless: the quiet joy of watching a piece of paper and string dance on the wind.

This guide has equipped you with the practical knowledge to navigate the festival with confidencefrom planning your journey and selecting the right gear to understanding the cultural heartbeat of the event. But the true magic lies not in the steps you follow, but in the moments you allow yourself to experience: the gasp of a child seeing a dragon soar above the waves, the laughter of strangers sharing a snack on the sand, the silent awe as a hundred kites rise together in unison.

As you prepare for your visit, remember: this festival thrives because of its people. Be respectful. Be present. Be kind. Leave nothing behind but footprints, and take with you not just photos, but memories that lift your spirit long after the last kite has landed.

Bring your curiosity. Bring your sense of wonder. And most of all, bring your heart. The sky at Westward Ho! is waiting.