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Inaugural Bristol Birdman event to take off from Floating Harbour
The rules for a Birdman contest are simple: put on your costume, jump off a ramp and the person who gets the furthest wins.
Birdman events have been taking place across the world for more than half a century and in recent years has been popularised even more by Red Bull Flugtag – but Bristol has never hosted one.
That’s all about to change this summer, however, thanks to one chief executive and youth and community worker who is set to make it happen.
is needed now More than ever
Ben Carpenter is the chief executive of the youth-empowering social enterprise Grassroot Communities and the mastermind behind the inaugural Bristol Birdman event which will take flight over Bristol’s Floating Harbour in June.
Ben Carpenter is bringing a Birdman contest to Bristol for the first time – photo: Grassroots Communities
Ben explained: “Grassroot Communities is very proud to be organising this amazing fun, family and community event that supports the city to come together and for businesses to develop their teams, create a flying contraption and take off! Which ultimately supports young people to fly from underserved communities of Bristol.
“We are super thankful for All-Aboard who will be providing safety on the water and we are slowly growing our tribe of supporters that want to support the event in other ways.
“We will also be involving young leaders we have worked with over the years to be part of delivering many different aspects of this amazing event.
“Importantly, the Bristol Birdman feels like a beacon of hope to anyone who has a dream, an idea that aims to do good and make a difference. Don’t give up, as with a fair wind and a little bit of help, sky is the limit.”
Ben came up with the idea while backpacking in New Zealand where he encountered the Birdman phenomenon for the first time. He fell in love with its surreal charm which never fails to bring a smile to people’s faces.
But for Ben, behind the fun and frivolity of the event lies a serious message: helping the young people of Bristol, especially those who are less fortunate, to pursue their dreams.
Grassroot Communities is focused on empowering young people from diverse backgrounds through education, mentoring and employment opportunities.
The organisation, powered by dedicated youth workers, runs programmes that develop leadership skills and provide tailored support to help young individuals reach their full potential.
In addition to their youth work, they engage in community-led projects to strengthen neighbourhoods and foster a sense of responsibility and ownership among local residents.
Grassroot Communities is focused on empowering young people from diverse backgrounds through education, mentoring and employment opportunities – photo: Ben Carpenter/ Grassroot Communities
For Ben, Bristol’s first Birdman event will be a fitting tribute to our city’s proud aviation and maritime history.
Ben has been trying to host the first-ever Birdman event in Bristol since he returned to the city 15 years ago, but the logistics seemed to have gotten in the way.
However, after fruitful talks with the city council, especially following the green light for harbour swimming, he received the go-ahead (subject to final licensing and site permissions approval) to bring all the high-flyers with their quirky contraptions to the docks on June 15.
The organisers are urging Bristol businesses to take part in the event and represent their respective teams. Each team can consist of two to ten members, with an entry fee of £2,000. All profits from the event will go directly to community projects run by Grassroot Communities.
Participants who create homemade costumes and contraptions using sustainable materials have the opportunity to be the first ever Bristol Birdman.
To sign up, visit www.grassrootcommunities.org/the-bristol-birdman
Main photo: Eddie Mitchell
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