"LET'S go fly a kite" was the call to arms of countless kite flyers who converged on Southampton at the week-end.

The airborne activity, organised by Solent Kite Flyers, took place at Lords Hill Sports Ground in Redbridge Lane.

Flyers old and new, novice and experienced, turned up to fly sea creatures, caterpillars, ships and devices of all shapes, sizes and colours.

Even teddy bears got in on the act at the fifth kite festival, being parachuted from kites to raise money for the mayor's charity. There were also wind-powered buggies, pulled along by a huge kite, to have a go on. Although capable of 54 mph, the wind wasn't strong enough on Saturday to pull anyone along quite that fast. Southampton Council sponsored the event that had a children's workshop and funfair. Organiser Michael Lowe said: "The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, what more could we ask for"

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.