Kite Festival soars back with #CourageToFly mental health campaign

The Cape Town International Kite Festival will return in 2025 with renewed spirit and a powerful theme, #CourageToFly.

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 COVID-19 pandemic, the festival will once again take place over two full days – on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October. The festival will also be hosted at a new venue, the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery.

Mental Health Awareness

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 serves as 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 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.

Stigma

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 CEO, Professor 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,” says Daniels.

For Daniels, the return of the full two-day festival is not only an opportunity for families and communities to come together in celebration, but also a way to honour that resilience.

A Spectacular Showcase

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 park for children. It is designed to be a safe and joyful family outing, whilst also carrying a deeper message about the importance of mental health in building a resilient society.

The festival continues to expand its reach beyond the two-day celebration through initiatives such as the EduKite competition for schools, community fly events like the Heideveld Community Fly, and a variety of inclusive activities that ensure children and adults of all abilities can participate.

For those unable to attend in person, Cape Mental Health encourages support through its BackaBuddy campaign, with all funds raised going directly to its essential free services across the Western Cape. These services enable individuals and families affected by mental health conditions to access the care and assistance they need, ensuring that the festival’s impact extends far beyond the colourful skies of October.

For more information, follow @CTKiteFest on social media. Tickets available at Quicket.