International Bognor Birdman

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The Bognor Birdman started in 1971 as the International Bird-Man Rally in nearby Selsey, West Sussex. The competition involves running off the end of a pier and attempting to 'fly' the furthest distance. There was an initial prize of £1000 (later £3000) for anyone who could travel beyond 50 yards (46 m).

In 1978 the growing competition moved to the larger Bognor Regis resort, which also has a higher pier. By 1983 the competition had attracted European teams and the attention of the BBC.

Several participants compete just to raise money for charity, but other serious competitors attempt to win the prize money. In 1984 Harold Zimmer (Germany) flew 57.8 metres to claim the top prize, which then stood at £10,000. By 1990 the record was 71 metres, the prize distance had been increased to 100 metres and the prize money was £25,000.

Although jumping off the pier is strictly prohibited allowances are made for this event only. People otherwise caught doing so will be prosecuted and may face police charges. In 1992 the current record of 89.2 metres was set by Dave Bradshaw.

In 2008, due to the demolition of an 18 metre (60 ft) length of the end of Bognor pier, the 2008 Birdman event was cancelled, as it was thought that the new water depth of less than 12 feet (3.7 m) at the new end of the pier posed a safety risk to contestants. As such, it looks unlikely the event will ever be held in Bognor again. Organisers were considering re-locating the event to another town.^[1]