Workshops where you can design, make and fly your own Giant Indian Fighting (Patang) kite.

For hundreds of years, kites have been built and flown across the globe for learning and enjoyment, including as part of the Hindu festival, Makar Sankranti in many parts of India. Kites are synonymous with freedom, the outdoors, imagination, storytelling and possibility.

Our free workshops will encourage people in Redbridge to represent their cultures and identities by designing their own kites during a series of workshops. This will culminate in a launch day where the kites will be flown in a collective display of colour and movement.

Who is this for?

This activity is suitable for families, groups of friends of individuals over 16 who live, work or study in Redbridge. No prior experience is necessary as these workshops are designed to be fun and accessible for all skill levels.

What is the format of the workshops?

This 1m x 1m kite is a wonderful dancer in the sky and will give you the chance to learn the fine art of flying a Patang (Indian Fighting Kite)!

In this 90 minute workshop, we supply you with all the materials you will need and guide you step by step on how to design and build your kite whilst teaching you how to launch, fly and control an Indian Fighting Kite. We will learn the history of them and how every year millions of families in India and beyond, come together and fly their kites in battles in the sky until only one kite is left! You will also have time to artwork your kite making sure you will have a beautiful kite to fly and take home. Groups of five will be working together on each kite.

Workshops are held in a covered outdoor area, so bring suitable clothing for the weather. The activity may also be a little bit messy, so wear clothes that you don’t mind getting marked.

What will I get out of it?

You will learn about kite making around the world and get your very own kite to take home with you. It’s also an opportunity to get creative, have fun and spend some time outdoors.

How to book?

Use the links on the right-hand side of the page to book via Bookwhen or call us on 020 8708 2858 and choose option 4. For more information, email hello@colours.red Booking guarantees you a space, but there will also be some spaces available first-come-first-served on the day.

How do I get there?

The 247 (from Fullwell Cross or Hainault) and 362 (From Chadwell Heath) bus routes stop at Fowler Road (on the edge of Hainault Forest). From there it is a pleasant 10-minute walk to the Foxburrows Barn (where the workshops are held). Plan your journey at tfl.gov.uk. There will be limited paid car parking available at Hainault Forest and we strongly recommend taking public transport where possible to avoid disappointment. Find the workshop space using What3Words.

Access

All our activities are step-free with facilities such as accessible toilets. Most activities can be easily adapted for people with varying disabilities or neurodiversity. Please email us at access@colours.red to discuss your requirements. There is free blue badge parking at both Hainault Forest car parks.

About the Artist

Based in the UK, Community Kite Project run both online and in person kite making workshops all over the world. They’ve made kites with thousands of people from London to Lebanon. Their favourite kites are the Indian Fighting Kites and Trapezoid Kites. Community Kite Project was founded by Jo Peel, Christopher Jarratt and Tom Tobia in 2011.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the advertised start time as any empty spaces will be reallocated on the day.