Fly Kites Not Killer Drones: 20 – 28 March 2020

The use of armed drones in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and many other countries is increasing. This new  weapon is already leading us into a state of perpetual war, where sending in drones is seen as an easy option by the military, many politicians and often the public too without thought to the consequences. We are lulled into accepting the myth that no civilians are being killed.

The Persian New Year, March 21st, has become established as an excellent time to remember the young people for whom the threat of drone strikes means an end to the simple pleasure of kite flying; a time when we can fly kites in solidarity with them. If you would like to make your own kites or run a workshop or simply find out more information see www.flykitesnotdrones.org  (there is an excellent video in workshop 3).

In 2019 there were events at RAF Waddington near Lincoln, in Bradford, Hastings, Leicester, Harrogate and Galway City.  There were probably many more. We have even heard of one in Warsaw! Here are some photographs.

Above at RAF Waddington, with unusually low winds

 

On the beach at Hastings

With the Afghan community in Leicester making kites

Warsaw, Poland.  We have just learnt they have been holding Fly Kites Not Drones events for several years following a visit from Maya Evans!

Resources for holding your own Fly Kites Not Drones event

Click on the links to download these resources:

1. How to make a kite: PDF
2. Template letter for sending to your MP
3. Petition – “End the Secrecy around UK Drone Wars”
4. Questionnaire for engaging the public during events
5. Education resources: external website
6. Flyer with information about drones: PDF
7. Our latest information briefing: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Out of Control (or order a paper copy for £3.50 from dronecampaignnetwork@riseup.net)

Order a Fly Kites Not Drones T-Shirt – new version now available!

Made from organic cotton and carbon neutral these are gold on black  £15 each including UK postage. Available in 5 sizes (measurements are across chest):
small (18 inches/46cm
medium (20 inches/50cm)
large (21 inches/53cm)
xlarge (22.5 inches/157cm)
xxlarge (24.5 inches/62cm).

To order t-shirts, contact dronecampaignnetwork@riseup.net

Here’s a great 4 minute film from the Carmarthen Branch of Cymdeithas y Cymod
(click on the image to watch)

ADAR ANGAU CYC MASTER 2 from Lleucu Meinir on Vimeo.

 

Pictures from some of the events in 2018.  There was kite flying in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the US.

Taking off at RAF Waddington

RAF Waddington

Huddersfield

Leicester – making Afghan kites

Leicester – flying Afghan kites

Leicester – sharing Afghan food

Harrogate

 

Pictures from events in 2017:

Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Hastings

Waddington

Leicester

FKND events in 2017 were held in:

• RAF Waddington (Lincolnshire)
• Hastings
• Leicester
• Bradford
• Bournemouth
• Bristol
• London
• Edinburgh

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Resource from 2016: Fly Kites Not Drones briefing

Pictures from FKND 2016:

RAF Waddington 19th March

London

Scarborough

Chicago

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Kabul

Littlehampton

Leicester 20th March

Berlin

Hastings