VIDEO: Kite ace Josh begins national event at Druridge

The first of two days of championship action has taken place at a Northumberland venue, with an expert kite-flier from the county aiming to defend his British titles.
Josh Mitcheson taking part in the STACK (Sport Team and Competitive Kiting) UK kite flying championships at Druridge Bay Country Park. Picture by Jane Coltman.Josh Mitcheson taking part in the STACK (Sport Team and Competitive Kiting) UK kite flying championships at Druridge Bay Country Park. Picture by Jane Coltman.
Josh Mitcheson taking part in the STACK (Sport Team and Competitive Kiting) UK kite flying championships at Druridge Bay Country Park. Picture by Jane Coltman.

Josh Mitcheson, from Ashington, has been the king of multi-line flying for the last three years and also landed the multi-kite crown in 2017 and 2016.

There have already been two rounds of the STACK (Sport Team and Competitive Kiting ) UK kite-flying championships and the 20-year-old is currently leading the field.

Josh Mitcheson taking part in the STACK (Sport Team and Competitive Kiting) UK kite flying championships at Druridge Bay Country Park. Picture by Jane Coltman.Josh Mitcheson taking part in the STACK (Sport Team and Competitive Kiting) UK kite flying championships at Druridge Bay Country Park. Picture by Jane Coltman.
Josh Mitcheson taking part in the STACK (Sport Team and Competitive Kiting) UK kite flying championships at Druridge Bay Country Park. Picture by Jane Coltman.
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The northern and final rounds are taking place at Druridge Bay Country Park this weekend. Like today, the second day of competition will be held between 10am and 4pm.

It is based on various disciplines, a bit like figure skating. The fliers have to do set patterns and routines and then a ballet freestyle programme set to music.

Individuals, pairs and teams from all over the country will be taking part, using two and four-line kites for their performances.

Kites which can be actively controlled to manoeuvre in the air are often referred to as stunt kites or sport kites.

Josh Mitcheson taking part in the STACK (Sport Team and Competitive Kiting) UK kite flying championships at Druridge Bay Country Park. Picture by Jane Coltman.Josh Mitcheson taking part in the STACK (Sport Team and Competitive Kiting) UK kite flying championships at Druridge Bay Country Park. Picture by Jane Coltman.
Josh Mitcheson taking part in the STACK (Sport Team and Competitive Kiting) UK kite flying championships at Druridge Bay Country Park. Picture by Jane Coltman.
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Modern sport kite flying is diverse and rewarding, with many different aspects.

Josh has been flying kites since he was 12 and is regularly invited to kite festivals all over the UK and Europe.

The event is free and catering facilities are available.