IT WAS family fun in the sun today for the annual Brighton Kite Festival.

The 40th consecutive year of the Stanmer Park event saw kites of all shapes and sizes flying high in the air as the weather was on side – unlike last year, when there was a lack of wind for participants.

Octopuses and a 100ft manta ray had a change of habitat on Saturday as they were launched into the clear skies.

Dave Mitchell and Mike Pratt, organisers of the Bognor Regis Kite Festival, were the men flying the manta ray – which cost £1,800 – along with a number of other kites.

Dave, 58, from Bognor, has been kite flying for the past 25 years.

He said: “One of the reasons I’m passionate about kite flying is because it really involves everybody, regardless of wealth.

“Everybody gets the same enjoyment from it no matter what kite they are flying.”

The manta ray had other kites attached to it and was the star of the show on the Saturday. Dave and Mike also had a giant whale to add to the sealife on display.

Hundreds gathered just to catch a glimpse of the action, with families relaxing in the sun and parents teaching their little ones how to fly kites.

Clare Hemingway, 41, was at Stanmer with her partner and two children, five-year-old Ellen and tot Laura, who turns three on Monday.

It was their second year at the event having celebrated Laura’s birthday there last year.

Clare, from Hove, said: “When we came last year, Laura really like the kites. It’s a great day out for the family. The atmosphere is really friendly and relaxed.”

Organiser Simon Hennessey expects the festival to get even busier tomorrow as England played today.