He traded tissue paper for plastic to cover his Bermuda kite in case of rain.

But Kyle Clarke, a Berkeley Senior Two student had little to worry about as the sky was clear and wind swept across Horseshoe Bay Beach yesterday.

Those who did have to be worried were the unsuspecting beachgoers who tangled in his string and were speared as Kyle attempted to get his kite airborne for the annual Kite Festival hosted by the youth wing of the United Bermuda Party, Bermuda's Young United.

Unfortunately for those trying to fly the traditional, wooden framed Bermuda kites, the wind was not cooperative and the sudden gusts did nothing more than to raise hopes.

Kate Hodson, who was visiting from England struggled with her friend Rupert Jacobs to pull their Bermudian kite into the clear blue sky.

She said: "I think today is amazing. We wouldn't have anything like this in the UK. It's great being part of it."

Hans Bruun, Bermudian born and raised, watched the two struggle with their twirling kite before he mercifully stepped in to try and retie their loop on the front of the kite.

As a carpenter and an avid kite flyer, Mr. Bruun said he enjoys going to the Horseshoe Bay Beach festival each year for more than just the kites. He said: "Mine already did a big dive, but at least she flew. It's harder to fly the Bermuda kites when there are so many people.

"I like the music, though, and I like the Gombeys. It's just a lovely traditional event each year."

Also in the tradition of the festival the kite competition featured some of the most complicated and creative masterpieces.

Jamie Carmichael, from Somerset, took home the prize for the biggest kite with intricately papered diamonds and said he hoped that kite making would continue to be a tradition.

He said: "I want to encourage keeping the kite thing going. Teach your children. It's a great tradition in Bermuda and I want to see more kites next year."

The smallest kite was made by Esperenza Foggo from St. David's, who could hold the flyer between her forefinger and thumb.

Taking home the prize for children between the ages of five and 15 was Jaquari Paynter and a crowd favourite in the visitor's category was Leah Smiley from New York City.

Winning in the adult category was Jonathan Cumberbatch from Warwick.

Finally the best in show and one of the biggest kites on stage, was Matthew Tumbridge's, who said it took every night for three weeks to construct.

The day also featured music by Freddy Simmons, Happy Hands Steel pans, Calvin Simons, Big Snipes, BCCF Hallal Dance Ministry, Pat O'Connor, Septimus, Black, Gavin Smith, Tiny T and Lady Tyson. A limbo contest with the Island Teasers, a celebrity clothing auction hosted by Philadelphia Eagle, Antonio Pierce and Salsa Dancers also helped keep spectators entertained.

Kim Caines, chairwoman of the Young United said they were all really pleased with how the event went and that they couldn't have been more lucky with the weather.

She said: "Amazing. It was much better than we could have imagined. Each year it goes up a level. Thank you to everyone for coming out and supporting our event.

"It wouldn't be successful without the public coming out for the kites and supporting our organisation."