KITE FLYERS from around the globe are descending on the North-East for a colourful extravaganza at the weekend.

The Sunderland International Festival of Kites has attracted a record-breaking 20 international kite flyers to the free event at the Northern Playing Fields, District 12, Washington tomorrow and Sunday.

Yesterday, 25 youngsters aged 11 to 14 from Washington School held a full dress rehearsal of two performances named Last Dance, a contemporary piece and 1, 2 Step a modern R&B street dancing routine.

The programme of national and international artists will include some of the world's best kitemakers from Japan, China, the US, Australia, Germany, Malaysia, the UK and many more.

Malcolm Goodman, known locally as The Kiteman, is the official Kite Consultant to City of Sunderland Council and each year organises and puts together an exciting new programme.

He said: "It's a great weekend out for all the family and this years event celebrating its 20th birthday promises to get you high as a kite - there's a great atmosphere and some excellent organised demonstrations."

This year's kite programme includes altitude competitions, individual rokkaaku challenge, mass box kite fly In, sky chase, dragon kite display, kite buggying, synchronised flying and a power kiting display.

There will also be a programme for the ground, with Folkworks presenting international musicians in the music and food marquees.