The popular Kite Festival has been transformed from a one-day event to a weekend long celebration.

Young United, the youth wing of the United Bermuda Party, traditionally organised the day of kite flying on Horseshoe Beach, which included gombeys and entertainment. This year there will also be a talent show with one talented local winning a trip to a US performing arts programme.

This year they wanted to take the event to the next level and expand it over the weekend. There will still be kite, flying and gombeys but there will also be a talent show and social activities spread over three days.

The theme is “Jubilee Set yourself Free” and the group wants to show that young people can spread positive message through dance, song, poetry, drama and spoken word.They have organised for William Lesane, coordinator of The Tupac Shukar Performing Arts Centre in Georgia, to come and help with the events.

He will be one of the judges at the talent show competition, which takes place during the final hour of Kite Festival. The winner of the competition will be flown to the US and visit various locations in Atlanta and gain exposure to the entertainment industry

He will also speaking to Bermuda’s young people about the arts and against violence at various locations across the Island. The event will be hosted by Patrina Paynter, “Power Girl” from Power 95, and comedian Nadanjah Bailey.

Entertainment at the day long event will be provided by Jam Starr and Vibes Alliance, gospel performances by gospel singing by Big Snipes, Septimus and Ebony Butterfield.

Bermuda Idol Lady Tyson, Salsa Dancers, live bands and the United Dance Production will also perform at the event.

Over the weekend there will also be a party for young adults 18 years and older at Docksiders Pub and an open-mike session at Chewstick for performing artists on Sunday.

Senator Gina Spence Farmer said: “The Kite Festival promises a little something for everybody; from a performance by the Gombeys and a Limbo show for the tourists, to our kite and spin top competition for those creative young artists out there. We also have face painting, food and fun!”

It will begin at 11 a..m. on Good Friday.