A BLUSTERY day was had by all at the Eggardon Kite Festival.

Flying fans flocked to the west Dorset venue to take part in the annual event, which included kite workshops and other activities.

Kite flyers young and old took their creations to the skies and made the most of the wind.

However, the event, now in its 17th year, had to be abandoned as gusts began to blow over the tents, casting doubt over the future of the festival.

Organiser Baffy Turner said it was the second time in two years the weather had caused chaos.

She said: “It was cancelled altogether last year, and then on Sunday we just had no choice but to call it off by 2pm.

“It was a shame, because Saturday was perfect and we went to set up, but we had all seen the forecast for Sunday.”

The popular festival is held on Eggardon Hill, an iron age hillfort near Powerstock, and proceeds will be donated to Powerstock School, Powerstock Hut, and the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Mrs Turner said: “People have told me that before we had to call it off, they had a lovely time, and we raised a bit for charity which is always nice.” The kite workshop was run by the Solent Kite Flyers, who provided materials so youngsters could make their own creations and then fly them.

Mrs Turner said: “It’s the standard, rectangular or triangle ones which fly the best, so that’s what they were making.

“The children get to have a bit of fun and the parents can rekindle their youth. It’s a real family event.”

She added: “I think it’s the simplicity of kite flying that people like.

“All you need is a small piece of paper and a bit of string and there’s so much freedom in it.”

The event will ‘hopefully’ go ahead next year, she added.

“It’s a bit early to tell. We have had such bad luck over the past few years that it’s difficult to tell.

“If we had had a really good year this year, I would be saying we are definitely going ahead, but we will have to wait and see.”