Organisers of this year’s Gracetown Kite Festival are gearing up for the most spectacular celebration yet.
Renowned Margaret River artist Leon Pericles is joining the flotilla that includes a new night-time event as well as music, food, stalls and festival fun for the coastal hamlet on November 30.
Starting from 2pm, annual festival spokesperson Elizabeth Reed said this year’s installation featured the “most exciting line-up yet”.
“The support for this iconic event grows each year with renewed innovation to broaden community reach,” she said.
“In 2025, the visual spectacle will inspire, engage, and strengthen community spirit.”
Pericles has signed on to dust off his kite skills after winning an acclaimed “best kite in the world” title at a festival in China in the late 1980s.
In November, he will debut that kite which features 12 octagonal panels adorned with Australian flora and fauna.
Joining him is returning guest and international kite-flying specialist Michael Alvarez, who brings a flotilla of 300 kites to Gracetown and will headline a new night-time launch event made possible thanks to Shire of Augusta-Margaret River funding.
The artist planned to light up the sky with kite-borne LED lights, accompanied by an illuminated performance by local group the Gracetown Night Nymphs.
The general festival atmosphere would be bolstered by an evening fashion parade of striking headpieces designed by Rebecca Rickey, set to the sounds of local favourites Sleepy Boys, and DJs Saramony and Felix.
Free workshops as well as family-friendly art and craft opportunities would also feature during the event with a focus on kite- and community-building.
