Dorchester Kite Festival could become town’s next big attraction
Dorchester could soon have its very own Kite Festival, with plans taking shape for next summer
A Kite Festival could take to the skies over Dorchester next summer, reviving the spirit of the once-popular Weymouth Kite Festival.
The proposed Kite Festival, scheduled for Saturday 6 June 2026, aims to attract professional kite flyers from across the UK and beyond as well as local fliers.
The event is being developed by Dorchester Town Council in partnership with the White Horse Kite Flyers, an organisation with international reach and a long history of involvement in the Weymouth festival during its heyday.
The group has already conducted successful test flights at the Great Field and praised the location’s suitability.
They said: “We all had fun and received lovely feedback from local residents. There’s a lot of enthusiasm from us to support making this happen.”
The festival will be free to attend and promises a mix of attractions, including public flying zones, stunt kite displays, children’s kite-making workshops, creative art activities, food stalls and charity pitches.
Meanwhile, the council is also working closely with the White Horse Kite Flyers to ensure safe flying zones and engaging displays.
Organisers say the timing of the event avoids clashes with other national kite festivals, ensuring strong attendance from the kite flying community and also coincides with the Lions Summerfest on the following day, allowing for shared resources such as bins and toilets, and joint promotional efforts.
Town councillors have been told that festival is expected to boost visitor numbers during the quieter early summer period, outside of school holidays.
Local businesses in Poundbury have expressed support for more public events on the Great Field, and the kite festival could become a new highlight in Dorchester’s cultural calendar.
A budget of £4,000 has been proposed, covering marketing, staff costs, materials for workshops, first aid, and facilities.
The proposal is currently awaiting approval in principle from Dorchester Town Council members.