Pack a picnic blanket and some snacks.

The Basant Festival is returning to Carrigaline Community Park on July 4th, bringing a spectacular afternoon of kite-flying, live music, drumming, food, and family fun.

Organisers expect more than 1,000 people to attend the celebration, which has become one of the most colourful dates on Cork’s community calendar.

For anyone unfamiliar with Basant, the festival has its roots in the Punjab region of South Asia, where it traditionally marks the arrival of spring. The word Basant means “yellow”, a nod to the bright mustard and sunflower fields that bloom during the season.

In cities like Lahore, the festival is famous for its breathtaking kite-flying displays, with skies filled from morning until night by kites of every shape, size and colour imaginable.

That same spirit will take over Carrigaline on July 4th, with visitors invited to enjoy kite flying, traditional drumming performances, live entertainment and food stalls showcasing flavours from across South Asia.

This year’s festival will also feature a display of traditional Japanese Koinobori kites by Cork-based artist Kim-Ling Morris. The carp-shaped kites symbolise perseverance, strength, and the ability to overcome challenges, while their movement in the wind represents youth, energy, and hope.

“Events like Basant create welcoming spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together, learn from one another, and celebrate culture through shared experiences,” said festival organiser Amna Walayat.

“We need more public spaces where communities can connect, understand each other, and build stronger relationships despite our differences.”

The Basant Festival takes place at Carrigaline Community Park on July 4th from 2pm to 6pm, with activities for all ages throughout the afternoon. Check out the schedule here.