Front Row – Olive Cavanagh, Rosie Price, Kobie Blundell, Lachlan Mahoney, Billy Ford and Cooper Burns. Back Row – Holly Glover, Madeleine O’Keeffe, Lucy Wyatt and Abigail Wyatt. Pictured with Leisa Dunford and Keith Doldissen.
The skies over the Harden Racecourse were a vibrant tapestry of colour and high-flying artistry this past Saturday as the Harden Kite Festival marked its 20th anniversary. From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, the annual event successfully drew a major crowd, cementing its status as a premier regional festival and delivering a significant boost to the local economy.
Dave Munnerley, Hilltops Events Coordinator, was ecstatic about the day’s turnout and atmosphere. “It was a really successful day for the 20th anniversary of the Harden Kite Festival,” Munnerley stated. “The weather was perfect, the wind was perfect.” He noted the tangible sense of growth the event is experiencing, a positive trend since the challenges of recent years. “It was certainly more than last year, and each year we seem to be build-ing up more and more since COVID; we are increasing every year.”
The milestone celebration elevated the festival’s profile, attracting a distinguished group of international kite fliers, including a spectacular contingent that featured three world record holders. These masters of the air provided an awe-inspiring show, carefully managing their colossal kites to maximise the visual impact for spectators.
Munnerley elaborated on the technical skill displayed: “They seem to fly at that height to make it more spectacular for their viewers… Naturally, they don’t want to attempt the world record as the world record is 1600 feet in the air, so they have it at a height that’s really, really good for photos, really good for the viewing pleasure of the children as well, and it gives us a good perspective of how big these kites actually are.”
The appeal of the international display drew visitors from across the country, with attendees travelling from Victoria, Queensland, and Canberra. “We normally have a gentleman who comes up from Tasmania, but he couldn’t make it this year.”
This strong interstate interest indicates the festival’s growing recognition on the national events calendar. The extensive grounds of the Harden Racecourse were meticulously transformed to accommodate a comprehensive range of attractions and activities.
Munnerley highlighted the effective use of the venue, saying, “The Harden Racecourse is a big space, and to fill it with so much to do is always a big highlight to see how we utilise the space. It’s a perfect area out there.”
The festival ensured non-stop entertainment for families. Children were particularly catered to with an all-day ride pass offering unlimited access to rides for $25, with a family-friendly deal of three passes for $60. Beyond the rides, young attendees flocked to the Kids Activity Alley and participated in the creative kite decorating workshops.
The usual festival favourites provided a steady stream of activity, including vibrant cultural performances, engaging workshops, and a sprawling collection of market stalls offering local goods and treats. Attendees had the option to bring their own kites or purchase one on the day to join in the air-borne fun.
Entry to the festival was kept highly accessible at a minimal $2 donation per person, ensuring the event was open to everyone. This low-cost entry, combined with the successful attraction of interstate visitors, translated directly into a significant financial benefit for the region.
“There was certainly something for everyone, including market stalls and a real big boost to the local economy with a lot of people through the gates,” Munnerley affirmed. While final attendance data is still being compiled, the high volume of interest was clear. “It’s hard to say at the moment until I get my data, but there was certainly a lot of out-of-town interest as well as a lot of local interest.”
Looking ahead, Munnerley expressed gratitude for the collective effort and a commitment to continuous improvement. “Hopefully, we will have it bigger and better each year, and especially with the support of our sponsors and the support that the committee gives, which allows us to go bigger and better every year.”
The 20th Harden Kite Festival has not only provided a successful day of family entertainment but has also established a strong trajectory for even greater success in the years to come.
– Tully Potts
Kite Festival Gallery
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