February Half Term at the National Museum of Flight

Kites from around the world will be flying high this half term at the National Museum of Flight, from Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 February.

Visitors to the popular attraction will be treated to impressive displays of kite-flying from the North East Kite Fliers on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February. Taking to the sky will be the Sunderland Friendship Kite whose tail is the longest in Europe at 100 metres in length, as well as eye-catching inflatable kites in the shapes of animals, fish and birds, each around 6 metres wide. There will also be a choreographed display of five stunt kites flown together in time to music and young kiteman Josh Mitcheson, age 16, will demonstrate his skill at flying three stunt kites at once. Defying the need for wind, indoor displays of ultra-lightweight kites will take place inside a hangar at the Museum.

Every day until Sunday 16 February, visitors can try their hand at making a kite or hot air balloon and learning to fly it, and marvel at the static display of beautiful kites from the European Air Gallery. The Edo Kites in this collection are unique, each painted by a different artist, such as Kaffe Fassett.

Tours departing at 12pm and 2pm will offer visitors a rare chance to see the East Fortune Airfield Control Tower which dates from the Second World War.

The Museum’s hangars will be open for visitors to enjoy the attraction’s popular Fantastic Flight gallery with its hands-on, interactive exhibits, and explore the aviation collections.

Half term activities at the National Museum of Flight run from Saturday 8 February to Sunday 16 February, from 10am until 4pm. Tickets cost Adult £9.50, Conc £7.50, Child £5 (under 5’s free), family ticket £24 (2 adults and 2 children), members free. Tickets can be booked online at www.nms.ac.uk or by calling 0300 123 6789.

During half term, the National Museum of Flight will be open daily from 10am until 4pm. Visit www.nms.ac.uk for further information and to see the full half term programme.