“Let Hope Fly” is the theme of the 25th Cape Town International Kite Festival, which will paint the skies of Muizenberg next weekend.
The event is in support of Cape Mental Health.
Kiters from seven countries – Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, the UK and South Africa – will show off their creations at the flying fiesta that promotes mental wellness.
False Bay kite-maker Philip Hattingh, of Kommetjie, is one of the guest kiters and is the creator of the world’s largest kite arch.
Event host and beneficiary, non-profit organisation Cape Mental Health, has been using kites to generate funds and raise awareness of mental wellness since 1994.
The annual kite festival is the highlight of the annual October Mental Health Awareness Month campaign, which this year focuses on suicide awareness and prevention.
“With self-harm and suicide rates on the rise, we want to share a message of hope and encouragement,” said Dr Ingrid Daniels, director of Cape Mental Health and president-elect of the World Federation for Mental Health.
“Just as kiters use a line to keep hold of their kites, hope can be the line to life. Sometimes you may find hope inside yourself; at other times it may need to come from a friend, a loved one or a professional. The important thing is to hold on and not let go.”
Cape Mental Health provides free mental health services to children and adults, reaching more than 21 000 people each year through 22 programmes and projects.
To show your support, fly a kite at the festival, make a donation, volunteer or simply share how you will #LetHopeFly on social media.
The festival takes place in the Zandvlei Nature Reserve, Muizenberg (corner of The Row and Axminster Road) from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
There will be free kite-making workshops, a festival parade featuring the Ashwin Willemse Orient Marching Show Band, performances by local musicians and dancers, craft stalls, funfair rides and all manner of fare from the food trucks. People are also welcome to take a picnic and relax on the lawns while watching the kites.
Tickets are available on Quicket or at the gate for R40 a person and R15 for children (12 years and younger).
For more information, visit www.capementalhealth.co.za, follow @CTKiteFest on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or contact Cape Mental Health at 021 447 9040 or email info@cmh.org.za
