Kites and culture: Festival of the Winds at Bondi Beach

8 September 2023

This Sunday 10 September from 11am marks the return of Australia’s most anticipated kite flying event, Festival of the Winds at Bondi Beach. Professional kite flyers and makers will descend on the beach to show off kites big and small to the soundtrack of concerts in Bondi Park.

For the 45th year running, the festival is expected to draw crowds of all ages for a celebration of kite making and flying, alongside the full-day programme of entertainment in Bondi Park and the Bondi Pavilion and food stalls.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, says to expect a ripper of a show, and that it will be a great day of fun and entertainment for families and people of all ages.

“Come on down this Sunday to check out the most spectacular kite show yet, brought to Bondi once again by the Australian Kite Flying Society (AKFS),” Mayor Masselos said. “We’re anticipating the cream of the crop of Australia’s kite makers and flyers to amaze and impress, and we’re also pleased to welcome visitors Karin and Roger Stevens from Belgium and Debbie and Craig Hansen from New Zealand.”

“Eastside FM’s DJ Jön (The Vinyl Frontier) will provide the soundtrack to the kite show, but this year’s live music and shows at the main stage in Bondi Park are sure to delight as well. This year features a real range of performances – from indigenous folk band the Stiff Gins to Mucho Mambo, an explosive 14-piece Latin Big Band, there’s truly something for everyone.”

“As it did for the first Festival of the Winds in 1978, the iconic Bondi Pavilion is once again playing host to various cultural showcases. We’re really proud to have completed the restoration of this wonderful community space, and it’s a privilege to see it thriving during events like this.”

“So grab your kites and bring the family down to see what the festival has to offer – there’ll be a kids’ zone in North Bondi Park. Try your hand at kite-making at one of the workshops, or relax and tuck into some delicious food from across the world. Waverley Council is pleased to present this event alongside the AKFS – see you there!”

Performing on the main stage in Bondi Park South from 11am – 4pm are:

  • University of New South Wales Balinese Gamelan, Suwitra Jaya
  • Te Aranganui – traditional Māori music and dance group from Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Ganithapan – cross cultural music and dance performance, weaving together Indian to Irish to Chinese, and everything in between
  • Performing on the Bondi Pavilion Forecourt from 11am – 4pm are:
  • Capoeria Australia – Afro-Brazilian martial art that mixes music, dance, synchronised acrobatics and more
  • Feel Free Dance Studio (Sabor Y Ritmo) – Latin dance group
  • Patio de Tango
  • Stiff Gins – indigenous Australian folk band
  • Mucho Mambo – 14 piece Latin Big Band.

Performing on the Bondi Pavilion Forecourt from 11am – 4pm are:

  • Black Joak Morris – English Cotswolds folk dance group
  • Bondi Brass – community-based ensemble
  • Rose Bay Secondary College Music Ensemble
  • Bondi Beach Recorder Ensemble
  • Bondi Beach Public School Choir
  • 100% Dance – local dance students showcase
  • Tap Pups – young tap dance talent

Queen Elizabeth Drive [Bondi Beach car park] will be CLOSED and other road closures and clearways will be in place. On-street parking is strictly limited, so leave the car at home and catch public transport to the event. To plan your trip, visit https://transportnsw.info/.

-ENDS-

Media inquiries: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532.