Bognor Regis ready for Birdman

The scaffolding is up, the crafts are ready and the flyers are standing by as the competition returns to the pier this weekend.

After a three-year break the competition made a triumphant return to the town last year, and this year’s event looks set to soar.

Barry Jones, chairman of the International Bognor Birdman said: “After the success of last year’s event we are hoping to be bigger and better than ever before.

“So far everything is looking very good, even the weather.

“We have a lot of entries for our Kingfisher class, a lot of whom are raising money for charity, which is what Birdman is all about.

“Last year we had a team flying to raise money to help a little girl walk, they raised £3,000 and they told us she is now walking.

“The mayor is also taking part to raise some money for charity. This year people seem to have realised what the competition is all about and want to be involved.

“Last year there was a lot of doubts about whether or not we would be able to go ahead, but this year we have not had any of that and a lot more people have decided to take part.”

The two-day competition will see entrants launch themselves off two platforms along the pier.

The six flyers in the Condor class will jump from a 35ft platform, while the 39 Kingfisher class flyers will leap from a 16ft platform.

This year the event has attracted entries from as far afield as America and New Zealand.

“David Moore will be coming in from Connecticut to take part again. He has told us he has made some changes to his craft to make it lighter so hopefully that will give him an edge,” said Mr Jones.

Mr Jones added the competition would not be able to go ahead with out the many volunteers who offer their help.

“We are always in need of volunteers. Finding enough people to help out is always a problem and we are always on the look-out for more. We need as many as possible,” he said.

To offer your help contact Mr Jones on 01243 868174. For more information visit www.birdman.org.uk