International kite festival in Mayo in solidarity with Ukraine

Hundreds of kite fliers and spectators of all ages will experience a visual feast at the Mayo International Kite Festival on Sunday, July 31 on Keel Beach on Achill Island.

All proceeds raised by the event will go towards helping Ukraine.

Organised by Pure Magic, Sandybanks Camping & Caravan Park, Westnet and Achill Outdoor Centre, there will be free entertainment, kite making and various kite competitions for all ages that attend.

Kite enthusiasts and amateurs alike will paint the sky of Keel Beach with vibrant kites, creating a magnificent scene on Achill Island.

With spectacular sights of hundreds of colourful kites, it will be an invigorating event from start to finish.

Enthusiasts will build their own kites and show off their skills beginning at 12 noon on Sunday week.

Francois Colussi, event organiser, said: “We’re delighted to welcome families back to the Mayo International Kite Festival after a three year hiatus.

"We’ve missed the good spirits of people at the festival over the past few years, so we’re thrilled to announce its return.”

He continued: “This festival is a wonderful way to bring friends and family together which is what we all have needed most during these times."

Pure Magic, organisers of the event, are teaming up with Ukrainian kite fliers from the huge Festival "Ultra Fest Trykhaty" this year.

The event itself is free. Money will be raised through fundraising activities throughout the day.

Andrey Neroda, the organiser of Ultra Fest, said: "It is crucial to bring some positivity and magic to people during these times.

"Flying kites is the perfect way to generate that good energy and celebrate our love for nature and each other."