Dark clouds provided a dramatic backdrop to the colourful Swindon Kite Festival.

The event at Brinkworth House, in Brinkworth, saw fewer visitors than previous years, largely because of the gloomy weather.

But hundreds still braved the threat of rain to enjoy a day of kite flying, giving an otherwise dull day a burst of rainbow colour.

Philip Baggett, of White Horse Kite Flyers, who organised the annual event, said they had hoped for better weather.

“The turn-out wasn’t as great as it usually is,” he said. “I don’t know whether that is just down to the cloudy day or our relocation from Lydiard Park two years ago.

“But the visitors we have seen still seem to have enjoyed it and that is what is important.”

Like many of the frequent flyers at the festival, Philip started dabbling with kite flying as a child.

“It is a great hobby all the family can get involved in and it really gets people out and about,” he said. “It is something anyone can get involved in.

As well as the more traditional kites, visitors were treated to a kite boarding display and a host of novelty designs.

“My children love the teddy bear kites,” said enthusiast Andrew Ward, who brought Amelia, three and Thomas, 18 months, from Cheltenham yesterday.

“They love the colours and their grandparents travel the world flying kites, so there are plenty of opportunities to come to events like this.”

For mum-of-two Corrie Darker, the festival brought back happy family memories of their time spent in Kent.

“There was always a kite festival at Margate which was great fun,” she said.

“So now we’re in Malmesbury, to have this on our doorstep every year is wonderful.”

She had brought Isabel, four and two-year-old Thomas along for the day.

“They love it,” she said. “The colours and the shapes are so different and it is nice to enjoy a family day out for free too.”

White Horse Kite Flyers meet at Barbury Castle on every second Sunday of the month.