The skyline above Sedgefield near Knysna in the Western Cape has come alive with colour for the annual Garden Route Kite Festival.

What began as a simple community gathering has grown into a celebration of art, creativity, and the shared joy of flying kites.

Garden Route District Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, says festivals like these are important to bring communities together, while also uplifting the local economy.

“We as the municipality always support this. We don’t have events of our own, so normally event organisers come knocking on my door, saying we want to host something like this, will you support us on media, financial side, all that. We’re always supporting. It’s lovely to drive this because it’s for the economy, job creation, and tourism. It’s vital for us as the Garden Route, because the number one driver for us is tourism. The weather is lovely, hopefully everybody will attend today.”

From handcrafted designs to massive showpieces that take a team to launch — every kite tells a story. Some were built for fun, others for competition, and many simply for the beauty of seeing something soar.

Man’s best friend had its moment in the spotlight too, with obedience displays and agility runs as well as the ever-popular “best-dressed dog” contest.

Chairperson of the local Masithandane non-profit organisation, Jackie Weaver, says the day of fun family activities is aimed at benefiting a school bursary fund.

“It is about the children’s bursary fund, because even now we still don’t have a public transport system, we don’t have a high school that will suit all the children here in Sedgefield, so they have to travel to George or to Knysna. So, all the funds from this festival goes towards our children’s bursary fund and building a high school.”