THE number of kite enthusiasts looks set to soar following the success of Swindon's kite festival.

Thousands turned out for the kite extravaganza at the Science Museum in Wroughton on Saturday and Sunday.

Undeterred by the threat of poor weather, various designs of kite from giant pandas and hearts to spiders and eagles were flown high over the two-day event.

Families filled the hangars for the free festival that included a variety of exhibits from dynamic stunt kite displays to children's workshops.

Editor of the kite flying magazine, Cowpat Hill and executive member of the White Horse Kite Flyers committee Tracy Willis said: "It was a really good weekend. More than 6,500 people visited over the two days and the response was really positive."

The festival was the 16th annual event of its kind in Swindon in conjunction with the White Horse Kite Flyers and the Science Museum in Wroughton.

"I think the event is so popular because it's an interesting hobby to have and very relaxing. People also come to see the vast array of kites in the sky, it's a good social event," said Tracy.

Model rocket displays, children's fairground rides, trampolining and kite traders added to the entertainment.