BELLY dancers took to the sand and kicked of Weymouth's annual kite festival after a delayed start.

But early morning difficulties and a sudden shower delayed the festivities, which kicked off shortly after 12.15pm with a performance from belly dancers.

The event, which draws enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad, used to be run by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council but is now run by an independent committee.

Michael McManus, who is in his third year of organising the festival said: "The Saturday is always a practice day for amateurs and people who will be competing over the next two days.”

He claims that the council would not lower the bollards to allow vans for the food village to be let through and that they were forced to wait for nearly two hours.

After the belly dancers came performances from the Second Edition Majorettes and as they were showcasing their skill, kites started to pop up against the clouds.

Veteran kite-flyer Waine Hucker from South Wales was attempting to get his giant purple octopus airborne.

He said: "I have been flying since I was about eight years old.

I have been coming to Weymouth for 12 or 13 years. It's a nice beach and a nice town, so if the weather's not good there's still plenty to do.

"Unlike a lot of other events where it can be a long walk to get into the town.

"In Weymouth, the buildings form a block from the wind but once you get above them you can sit there all day."

Alfie Jobbins' bone fish kite was starting to get off the ground as the majorettes took to the sand.

He said: "I love Weymouth. I've come here on six years.

"The first one I did was in 2003 when I was very little.

"I've always supported the festival.

"Because the council doesn't really have anything to do with it, it's down to the kite flyers to keep it alive.

"And the people of Weymouth love it."

A man from Chickerell, who did not wish to be named, came down to the sea front to spectate with his wife and child but was surprised not to see any kites in the sky.

He said: "We come and watch every year.

"We came down at 11am this morning, but it would have been better if there were kites."

Tomorrow and Monday have a schedule packed with competitions and exhibitions, showcasing kites from all over the world.

Events start tomorrow at 10am with the opening and altitude sprint followed by Flying Fish at 10.30am.

Sunday's final event, Dual-line Mega-team, will finish at 5pm.