The Rotary Club has sought permission for Royston Kite Festival to continue on Therfield Heath.

Since it began more than 20 years ago, the kite festival has raised tens of thousands for charity, and successfully returned to Therfield Heath following the pandemic.

Royston Rotary Club, which runs the festival, has applied to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to ensure its future.

Rotarian Martin Berry said: "We need what is known as consent under Section 38 of the Commons Act 2006 to carry out ‘restricted works’ on Therfield Heath Common.  

"What this means is that the festival will take place on approximately two per cent of the Common on August 4 next year.

"We will have an arena for our kite flying displays, two marquees and up to 75 gazebos, which will mostly be used by local charities and associations.

"We will also provide up to 20 portable toilets. There will be a car park and funfair at one end of the field. The entire site will be completely cleared by the following day."

Details of the application will be available to view at the Heath Café and at Royston Library until the end of this year.

You can also view the application at https://roystonrotary.com/kitefestival.htm

Martin added: "It would be great if those who would like to support the event, and see it continue, could contact the Planning Inspectorate before December 31."

Any representations should be sent in writing to the Planning Inspectorate Commons Team at 3A Temple Quay House, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN or commonlandcasework@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.  

The kite festival is always held on the first Sunday of August, and is scheduled to take place between 10.30am and 4.30pm on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

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At the event, kites are flown by organised and professional teams, with sessions for children to fly their kites and create their own kite designs.

Other events include a teddy bear drop, fairground rides and a bouncy castle, as well as ice-cream and food stalls.

The historic vehicle show takes place alongside the kite festival, with a range of vehicles of all types and ages on display.