We created KITE to combine incredible music and breakthrough ideas in a unique programme of live performances and interactive discussions. We wanted to bring together contemporary and legendary performers, thinkers, writers and public figures from the world of music, politics, business, technology and the arts and give you the opportunity to engage with the people who are influencing the way we live.

As a first for a festival, and in partnership with Tortoise, we launched KITE on Kickstarter in January 2020, creating a community of like-minded Founders. We were overwhelmed by the support shown by our founding community as we worked together to shape the future of KITE.

We launched just ahead of one of the biggest challenges of our lifetime, and unfortunately, the situation around COVID-19 led us to the difficult decision to postpone our inaugural edition until 11-13^th June 2021.

Cultural icon Grace Jones, multi Grammy-Award winning jazz singer Gregory Porter and gospel legend Mavis Staples were set to lead the music programme which also featured This is The Kit and Seun Keuti & Egypt 80. Our Ideas programme included author, screenwriter and filmmaker Jon Ronson, former foreign secretary David Miliband, columnist Marina Hyde, esteemed children’s author Sir Philip Pullman and broadcaster and poet Lemn Sissay.

We are already excited to be working on our 2021 programme and are launching a series of digital ThinkIns with some of our 2020 speakers. We will be keeping in touch through our socials and newsletter so please follow us and sign up!