A huge kite festival is happening in support of Afghanistan

Are you aware the right way to fly a kite? (Image: Fly With Me)

Kite-flying is a serious custom in Afghanistan. However the Taliban, who took over the nation final 12 months as Western forces withdrew their presence, have a rocky relationship with the customized.

The final time they took over Afghanistan, kite-flying was banned, in addition to different arts together with theatre, music, dancing, and free journalism.

Now, because the group encroaches upon the nation as soon as once more, it has curtailed folks’s rights.

So, to recollect the Afghan folks a 12 months since they had been taken hostage by the Taliban, the UK’s largest kite-flying pageant has been launched.

On Saturday August 20, the Good Likelihood Theatre will launch Fly With Me, an immersive, multi-city occasion introduced by Afghan artists, actors, and sportspeople.

Unfold throughout 16 areas within the UK, Fly With Me celebrates the traditional Afghan craft of kite-flying in an aerial act of solidarity.

You'll be able to study kites and their historical past in Afghanistan (Image: Fly With Me)

Guests can anticipate workshops, the possibility to make their very own kites, and to be taught in regards to the cultural significance of kites within the nation.

The pageant, in collaboration with Afghan Support, will increase funds to assist ladies in rural Afghan communities.

Youngsters in Kabul flying kites, the place it has lengthy been a convention (Image: Chris Hondros/Getty Photographs)

Fly With Me has been developed by Afghan refugee and knowledgeable kite maker, Sanjar Qiam, who based a toy store in Brighton and hosts kite-making workshops throughout the UK.

Actor and director Elham Ehsas (The Kite Runner, Homeland) and Afghan musician Elaha Soroor have additionally helped organise the mission.

Kite-flying was banned in Afghanistan by the Taliban, together with music and theatre (Image: Paula Bronstein/Getty Photographs)

Sanjar mentioned: ‘In Afghanistan, kites occupy a novel area between nationwide artwork type and nationwide sport. They're a common image of expression, talent and cultural delight.

‘Fly With Me is an act of solidarity with the folks of Afghanistan and a possibility for all of us to come back collectively and really feel between our fingers the strings that join us to this unimaginable nation, its tradition and its folks.’

Elham added: ‘Throughout my lifetime, my nation’s colors have been painted, wiped, repainted then wiped once more 15 instances. However we've all the time flown kites.

‘The colors change however our skies are the identical. Let’s take to the skies and do not forget that Afghanistan’s flag has been wiped as soon as once more.’

Fly With Me will happen throughout Brighton, Bradford, Dover, Folkestone, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Northamptonshire, Scunthorpe, Sheffield.

Go to the web site for extra particulars.