News / Bristol Birdman
Bristol Birdman event to return to Floating Harbour for 2026
Following its soaring debut, organisers have confirmed Bristol Birdman is set to return to the Floating Harbour for another splash-filled spectacle.
The event in June 2025 saw thousands of people gathering on the docks to watch a variety of brave competitors attempt to scale the skies and ‘fly’ in makeshift machines.
Bristol harbour master Eric Dougall called it the most well-attended and fun family event the area has seen in 30 years.
Organised by social enterprise Grassroots Communities, the 2026 edition aims to be “bigger, brighter, and bolder”.
Chief executive Ben Carpenter hopes the event on June 14 will raise £100,000 to fund vital youth and community programs for Bristol’s underserved neighbourhoods.
The human-powered flight competition sees participants build homemade contraptions from recycled materials and launch themselves from a platform into the Floating Harbour – photo: Rob Browne
“We cannot wait to unleash our second instalment of the fantastical Bristol Birdman 2026 on the people of Bristol,” said Ben.
“Last year’s event just goes to show what is possible when youth workers and young people come together, have an idea and work hard to make it a reality.
“DIY culture is a central part of all we do and the successful Bristol Birdman event in 2025 has helped pave the way for the next generation to learn from this process, be inspired and see how it’s done.
“We have amazing plans to add to last year’s event and wow the masses. But for this Bristol we need your support.”
Grassroot Communities is seeking sponsors, business teams and youth performers to build on the family-friendly summer event.
All profits go to supporting young people through transformational youth and community work, mentoring, education, employment pathways and leadership opportunities.
Ben continued: “Importantly this event not only provides a fun day out for the people of Bristol, it provides a platform for young people and adults to share their stories of the need and impact that youth and community work has had on their lives.”
For more information or to get involved, visit grassrootcommunities.org/the-bristol-birdman or contact organisers directly via email at [email protected] and [email protected]
All photos: Rob Browne
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