Hundreds of kites snaked through the sky over Bermuda yesterday as people from every corner of the Island celebrated Good Friday.

Scores of people lined South Shore with picnics and hand-made kites to take advantage of the perfect flying conditions, which were such a miss last year.

On Horseshoe Bay, thousands of people turned out for the annual United Bermuda Party Kite Festival, which revellers claimed was getting bigger and better each year.

Some flew kites, others swam and sunbathed, and both young and old danced in the sand to a variety of entertainers.

Among the stage acts at the annual event were the Warwick Gombeys, Prestige, Jamba and Xtacy, to name a few.

But although there were kite-fliers out in droves, very few actually entered the festival's kite competition.

There were only about 15 entries, prompting organisers to say that more effort would be made next year to get people across the Island building kites.

And they said next year there may also be sandcastle competitions.

But, that aside, festival secretary Christian Dunleavy said the day was a fantastic success.

He said: "It has been a great day. We have had so many people out flying their kites, it has been great to watch, but for some reason they seem a bit shy to enter the competition.

"Next year, I think we are going to get a little bit of kite-building done beforehand.

"But the weather has been great and we have had a steady stream of people coming in all day. Last year we figured we had about 7,000 people here, and I think it's probably the same.

"We have locals and tourists here. Everyone is having fun.'' Joining in the fun were a number of people staying at the Southampton Princess Hotel, who built kites on Thursday night with help and tuition from locals.

They were out in force yesterday to experience a bit of Bermuda Easter tradition.

Jennifer Jones, from Warwick, was no stranger to the festival yesterday.

She said: "It's a beautiful day. I love it. I try to come every year, and I think it is getting bigger and better. I just like to come down and check everything out.'' Gail Harris, from Pembroke, was enjoying the stage acts with her two-year-old niece Kaisha Harris.

She said: "It is nice to come here on Good Friday. We haven't been here long today, but we come every year and it seems to be getting a bigger and bigger event.'' Among the festivities yesterday was the best of three tug o' war contests between tourists and locals, which the tourists won.

And there were childrens' games, and hot cross buns and codfish cakes aplenty.

The winners of the kite competition were: Most original kite: adult, Dick Tulloch, secondary pupil, Shaun Adderley, middle, Madonna Smith, primary, Zindziswa Swan.

Most beautiful kite: adult, Laurie Paul and Rudolph Simons, secondary, Shaun Adderley, middle, Kimberley Fisher, primary, Cianna Fisher.

Best largest kite: Matthew Tumbridge.

Best smallest: Shaun Adderley.

Crowded House: Thousands turned up for yesterday's event at Horseshoe Bay.

Ready for take-off: Dante Wellman, six, above, takes advantage of some strong winds while nine-year-old Shanaka Bunagingha, below, shows his mastery of control with his stunt kite.

High-flier: Robin Dawson looks on as the home-made kite designed by her brother Cher takes to the skies.