Suffolk's refugee communities come together for 'joyful' kite flying event

Fly With Me is an international kite flying festival organised by the Good Chance theatre company, showing solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.

The Christchurch park event marked one year since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan – with people at 20 locations across the UK and Europe coming together to preserve Afghan culture through kite flying.

Members of both the Afghan and Ukrainian communities in Ipswich gathered in Christchurch Park to fly kites, take part in music and art and relax and socialise over a picnic lunch - organised through Suffolk Refugee Support.

Sharafatullah Danish, Afghan resettlement bilingual advice worker at Suffolk Refugee Support, said: "Kite-flying is a joyful activity in Afghanistan, and in this season people are always flying colourful kites.

"We are happy to bring people together in Ipswich to share experiences and join our call for the fair and equal treatment of all people seeking safety, including those from Afghanistan."

Olena Kotovska, an advice worker on the Ukraine Programme at Suffolk Refugee Support, said: "The picnic is a great opportunity for Ukrainians spread throughout Suffolk to get together as a community and find new friends and support.

"Playing in their native language and communicating with their peers is beneficial for children, and it's also an opportunity to talk with refugees from Afghanistan, with whom we share a common pain of war.''

There was plenty of kites on show at the event. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The event marked one year since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Both Afghan and Ukrainian refugees took part in the event. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

There was also a picnic lunch which gave the groups time to come together. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Christchurch Park played host to the community event. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The event was part of the Fly With Me international kite flying festival. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

There was also music and art activities on the day. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The day was organised by through Suffolk Refugee Support. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

People enjoy the sunshine as kites take to the sky. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

People at 20 locations across the UK and Europe took part in the festival. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The kite flying took place in Ipswich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

A kite representing the colours of Ukraine. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

A variety of kites took to the sky in Christchurch Park. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

It was all smiles as the refugee communities came together in solidarity with one another. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The event commemorated an ancient art form that is now under threat. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

People enjoyed making their own kites before watching them take to the sunny sky. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Refugees of all ages took part in the event. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

There was a plethora of kites of all shapes and sizes created. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The kite flying festival is organised by the Good Chance theatre company, in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The weather was perfect for the kites - as they shone in a clear sunny sky. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The event brought people of all ages from refugee communities together. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

More people enjoy taking part in the festival. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)