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Weekend ‘Sky Fest’ kite flying event in Sihanoukville

Preah Sihanouk province will play host to the first international Sky Fest this Saturday and Sunday, an event organised by the developer of the Bay of Lights resort project at Ream in collaboration with the provincial administration.

The Sky Fest is an international kite flying event in Sihanoukville and is expected to attract 50,000 people.

David Richard, director of Hospitality and Tourism at the Bay of Lights resort development, said the event has attracted 25 international teams from nine countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Singapore, Vietnam, France, Indonesia and China.

During the events, the teams will launch hundreds of kites of all sizes and shapes.

“In this programme, we will bring everyone a kind of kite flying made famous by Khmer tradition. We are bringing seven Khmer kite experts to teach the trainees here as well,” he said.

He added, “The event is featuring not only kite flying, but also hundreds of food exhibits, concerts with DJs and celebrities joining in to dine with us in celebration of this international event.”

Ian Tan, Bay of Lights project manager, said the event would not have been possible without the support of the local government, saying his team are committed to bring something new to the Cambodian people.

Preah Sihanouk Provincial Hall spokesman, Kheang Phearom, said the administration had joined in supporting the Sky Fest event.

Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administrative Working Group yesterday met for a discussion to organise support for the event, he said.

At a recent press conference announcing Sky Fest in Sihanoukville, Cheang Narin, co-author of the book Khleng Ek, details the history of Khmer kites.

Narin said that the Khleng Ek kite is a traditional kite fitted with a bamboo resonator that emits musical tones and pitches from the effect of wind blowing through as it flies in the sky.

Khleng Ek kites have been believed to have a history dating back to 400 BC, and the local people often fly them at night when the wind blows from the north and after the fields have been harvested.

“If people want to listen to beautiful kite sounds, please join us at the Sky Fest in Sihanoukville this Saturday and Sunday,” she added.

Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com