inaugural Young United Bermuda kite festival.

And despite a few menacing clouds and a brief shower, the sky was awash with kites of every description, from the traditional multicoloured tissue paper design to the plastic "birdie'' variety.

Southampton brothers Morris and Larry Moniz won the best giant kite award for the third straight year.

However, their eight foot masterpiece refused to stay airborne in spite of two attempts to launch it into the sky.

Daemon Hanley, 11, won first place in the smallest kite category for the second time, while Chester Trott took home the coveted most beautiful kite honour for his eight-foot cellophane accomplishment.

Unlike last year when the kite judging and flying were the main attractions, yesterday's event had a more festive and carnival atmosphere.

There was a deejay belting out the latest tunes from large speakers. Calypso, reggae and rhythm and blues featured prominently in his selections.

The Portuguese Association dancers and Hayward's gombeys were among the many performers to grace the makeshift stage located on the eastern end of the beach near the concession stands.

Before the kite judging took place, there were children's games such as egg and spoon and sack races.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan was on hand and helped judge kites in the various categories. Sir John was not the only politician at the festival. Also attending were Youth Sport and Recreation Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon, Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill, backbencher Mr. Harry Soares and Senators Yvette Swan and Gary Pitman.

Canadian Mr. Eric Brooks, an executive with the Ramex Chemical Trading Corporation, arrived in Bermuda on business last Thursday.

He took some time off to join in the Bermudian tradition. Unfortunately his kite became snared in the trees soon after it left the ground.

"We fly kites in Canada as well,'' the Toronto native said. "Mine got caught in the trees because I did not have enough tail. I'll have to remember that next time.'' Young United Bermuda member Ms Joanna Dyer said the success of yesterday's kite festival was encouraging for her fledgling organisation.

"It has gone quite well,'' she said. "Like anything that is done for the first time there are always teething problems.

"We are not officially a group yet. We got involved with this event because we wanted to add more entertainment than just kite flying which it has been up unto now.'' Although none of Bermuda's other hotel properties took up Elbow Beach's challenge to compete in a kite flying contest tomorrow, this has not dampened their enthusiasm.

In fact Mr. Renaldo Bean will launch the large Elbow Bean kite into the air at 12 noon on Easter Sunday.

"We are prepared to take on all comers,'' he said. "Any sports club school or family that thinks they can keep their kite up longer than us is welcome to come along and give it a try.

Moresby Plain in the Royal Naval Dockyard area will be the launching pad for the event.

Photos by Tamell Simons FINALLY! One group of Good Friday enthusiasts gaze skyward celebrating a successful launch, while another awaits a favourable gust to put her kite into the air. It was all part of the fun at Horseshoe Beach yesterday.

MOST BEAUTIFUL -- Mr. Chester Trott's eight-foot cellophane creation takes off.

GOMBEY FRIDAY -- Hayward's Gombey troupe dances up at storm at Horseshoe Bay.

LETTING IT OUT -- Mr. Chester Trott guides his award winning kite into the air.

SHELTER -- Ms Gina Hook and Ms Teresa Kressin share an umbrella.

HARDBOILED FUN -- Youngsters compete in an egg and spoon race.

UNTIL NEXT YEAR -- Canadian businessman Mr. Eric Brooks' kite lost its battle.

CULTURE KICK -- Portuguese Association dancers high-step.

BIG HAUL -- Messrs Morris and Larry Moniz's winning entry took four to carry.