Coolum Kite Festival - Press release

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Coolum festival attracts impressive line up of international talent

The 2008 IGA Coolum Kite Festival is set to draw an impressive line up of high profile international kite flyers, artists and performers to the Sunshine Coast for the 8 th annual event to be held from October 11-12.

Fast becoming a world renowned event, the vibrant festival is attracting an array of talent from across the globe to Coolum Beach to showcase their extraordinary skills.

Multiple kite flying world champion, Ray Bethell from Canada has travelled the world flying kites and will be amongst those making the journey. Although Ray is well into his 80's he is still flying kites like a teenager and has a number of international kite flying awards under his belt.

Renowned kite artist, Ron Gibian, will also be in attendance at the festival and will be sure to add a great dimension to the kite displays with his spectacular kite sculptures. Ron will be flying over from the United States where his current collection is on display in a number of art galleries across the country.

Joining the festival for the third year and hailing from New Zealand, Craig Hanson has some of the biggest kites in the world and will also be showcasing them again at this year's festival.

IGA Coolum Kite Festival Chairman, Noel Mooney, says that the festival is growing to become a premier event in the region and continues to showcase some of the best kite flyers from around the world.

“It's great to have such a high calibre of international guests participating in this year's event and we are excited to welcome these kite flyers, artists and entertainers to Coolum. The attention that the event has received in the international kite flying arena is a true testament to the quality of the festival and how far it has come in recent years,” said Noel.

The 2008 IGA Coolum Kite Festival will also welcome Mr Qian Jian Guo, the kite master in residence at China‘s premier Kite Museum in Weifang, and his artist wife Lang Feng Liang.

They will both be presenting demonstrations on traditional Chinese kite making and artwork leading up to, and during the festival.

Other international artists include Carlos Van Camp from New Zealand, who is involved in the night time spectacular electrical kite stunt and Rob Bloor from the UK who is an international fire stand up and renegade comedian. The festival will also feature many talented performers and outstanding Australian artists who are involved in the cultural arts component of the festival.

The IGA Coolum Kite Festival promises to be a fun packed weekend filled with kite flying, workshops, music, stalls and entertainment. For more information, please visit www.coolumkitefestival.com.

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