The skies of Cape Town will come alive with colour, creativity and courage this weekend at the 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival hosted at a brand-new venue, the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery.
Now in its 31st year, the festival has become a symbol of hope, resilience and unity, and this year it celebrates the bravery it takes to face life’s challenges, particularly in relation to mental health. For the first time since the pandemic, the festival will once again take place over two full days – on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2025 – marking a joyful return to the festival’s much-loved extended format.
- This year’s festival will feature a spectacular showcase of kites from both local and international participants, alongside entertainment for all ages, kite-making workshops, food vendors and an amusement area for children. It is designed to be a safe and joyful family outing, while also carrying a deeper message about the importance of mental health in building a resilient society.
Kiters from all over the world have arrived in South Africa to come and fly for Cape Mental Health and raise mental health awareness: Marcel & Petra Kramer from Germany, Markus & Katja Flender from Germany, Derek Kuhn from the UK, Jean Louis Castanier & Odile Delorme from Reunion Island, Gill & Jon Bloom from the UK, and Lambert and Alice Romuald from Reunion Island!
Since 1994, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has been organised annually by Cape Mental Health as part of its mission to raise awareness of mental health and promote resilience. Each kite that rises into the air is a reminder of freedom, creativity and the courage it takes to seek help, speak openly, and support those on their mental health journeys. This year’s theme, #CourageToFly was chosen against the backdrop of recent global challenges – from political and social instability to the lingering effects of the pandemic – all of which have contributed to rising rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. In South Africa, an estimated 16.5% of the population lives with a mental disorder, and the stigma attached to these conditions remains a significant barrier to treatment and recovery.
Cape Mental Health Chief Executive Officer, Professor Doctor Ingrid Daniels, emphasises that it takes remarkable courage to live with a mental health condition, to rise above stigma, and to continue along a recovery journey despite the inevitable challenges:
“Like a kite soaring against strong winds, people living with mental health conditions inspire us all to hold on, rise above, and find strength to persevere.”The festival continues to expand its reach beyond the two-day celebration through initiatives such as the EduKite competition for schools, the Heideveld Community Fly, and a variety of inclusive activities that ensure children and adults of all abilities can participate.
ABOUT THE CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL
Since 1994, Cape Mental Health has proudly hosted the Cape Town International Kite Festival, Africa’s oldest kiting event, dedicated to raising funds and advocating for mental wellness.
WHAT: 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival,
WHERE: Youngsfield Military Base, Ottery
WHEN: 25 – 26 October 2025
BOOKING: Tickets – Quicket:
INFO: T 021 447 9040 (Office Hours) | E events@cmh.org.za | VISIT | Facebook | see also Cape Town Green Map
Twitter: @CTKiteFest Instagram: @CTKiteFest TikTok: @CTKiteFest Hashtags: #CourageToFly and #CTKiteFest
