Chinese Kite Festival held in Stockholm

People from all walks of life in Sweden turn out every year to take part in the kite event, which continues to grow in popularity every year. [Photo: China Plus/Chen Xuefei]

Over a thousand people have come together in Stockholm, Sweden to take part in this year's Chinese Kite Festival.

The 2017 edition of the Chinese Kite Festival is the 8th put on by the Stockholm Chinese Association.

David Liu Shaohui is the President of the Association.

"Almost every year the weather cooperates for us during the kite festival. We've been graced again with blue skies and a nice breeze, which is ideal for flying kites. This event fits in well with the Belt and Road initiative, as it promotes cultural exchanges."

The annual kite festival is not exclusively a Chinese event.

People from all walks of life in Sweden turn out every year to take part in the event, which continues to grow in popularity every year.

Organizers of the Chinese Kite Festival in Stockholm also inject some additional enthusiasm into the event, handing out prizes for the dedicated 'flyers,' including awards for best design, best flying skills and best overall construction.

Jon Johansson with the World Cultural Museum in Stockholm says the event, which attracts kite flyers ranging in age from 2 to 70, is a great way to celebrate the changing seasons in Stockholm.

"I think it is very beautiful day and it is very beautiful to see all of these beautiful kites flying out here, it makes the place come alive. "

Michael Li is with the East Asian Department at the World Cultural Museum, and acted as one of the judges for this year's event.

"I think it is a wonderful event to bring together many different communities together, it's also wonderful to see so many different generations from the very young to the elderly. One of the prizes, the best kite was flown by the grand child of the person who actually made the kite 35 years ago. "

Beyond flying kites, the Festival also included other events such as Chinese singing and dancing, as well as Kungfu demonstrations.

Officials with the Chinese embassy in Stockholm have also taken part in the festivities.