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FESTIVAL DE CERFS VOLANTS, MARINES, FRANCE
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The small town of Marines, just 20km north of Paris, was the delightful setting for this kite festival during May 2006. I travelled with kite maker Karl Longbottom and David Johnson from the Avon Kite Flyers. We had been invited to display our kites by the festival organiser Ludo Petit, President of the Manjha Club International. We enjoyed the generous hospitality of local French families who accommodated us in their homes, practised their English with us and generally made us feel very welcome.

What made this festival interesting was the presence of other invited kite makers from Bali, Hong Kong and India with their wonderful kites. Next to the flying site, in a large interior space, Ludo had mounted a very extensive exhibition of kites from around the world. Paper kites from Japan. Sri Lanka, Bermuda, Thailand, Brazil, Cuba and India. Long banner tails were suspended across the ceiling along with colourful sailing ships, birds and a fascinating display of leaf kites. This was a really diverse collection brought together under one roof.

You can never guarantee the weather, even in spring, and Marines was no exception. Heavy downpours and strong winds restricted flying during the first day. Only the weight of over 20 people hanging on to the edges of the main marquee prevented it becoming fully airborne!

Most memorable was the evening meal and opening event, attended by over 200 guests. We were entertained in true French style by a singer from the Moulin Rouge and provided with a seemingly endless supply of food, wine and music. I have recollections of rocking and rolling into the late night and was left with the impression that these people really know how to party!