大象传媒

Sunderland International Friendship Festival featuring the Kite Festival returned to Washington under the dark clouds on Saturday 30 June.

Thousands of people flocked to the Northumbria Playing Fields in Washington regardless of the spitting rain to fly their kites, see the exhibits and indulge in all of the cultural displays.

Kite fliers from all around visit the festival to fly their kites and show off their creative skills in the air. However this year created a competitive streak in kite fliers and attendees alike as it was announced they were going to attempt to break an official world record.

The record currently stands at 672 kites flown at the same time. People signed up at the kiosks, received a free white kite (if they hadn't brought their own!), fly their kites when told and then hope for the best.

Val Craggs, Event Director at Sunderland City Council said: "We were so close to breaking the world record, we managed to get 556 kites flying in the sky at one time, witnessed by two independent adjudicators, however the current record stands at 674.

"We were delighted that so many people joined together to fly their kites. There was a great atmosphere and families were enjoying themselves. The weather certainly didn't dampen anyone鈥檚 spirits.

"As we were so close we will be attempting to break the record again next year where if the weather is on our side we are sure to smash the existing record."

We can reveal the 2008 Sunderland International Friendship Festival will be taking place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July.