The aim of the game is simple: Using only recycled items to build your own human-powered flying machine, see who can fly the furthest before crashlanding in the water. While the first-ever Birdman had people throwing themselves off a pier in West Sussex as early as 1971, the Bristol Birdman didn’t make a splash until 2025.
We have not experienced such a well-attended, fun, family event at this end of the harbour for thirty years. It was amazing!
– Eric Dougall, Bristol Harbour Master.
A soaring on Bristol Harbourside, the inaugural Bristol Birdman saw teams making a leap of faith on Baltic Wharf. Thousands of spectators came to watch, too, and proved so successful that it’s making a return this summer on June 14, 2026—and your team can register an interest in competing now.
What do I need to know about Bristol Birdman?
Bristol Birdman is organised by Grassroot Communities, a local not-for-profit organisation working with young people from underserved communities across Bristol. The aim is to raise money and awareness for its programme—with a target this year set for £100,000.
The event is open to twelve business teams ready compete with their own handmade, madcap flying machines. Entry costs £2,000—which helps pay for the event, while all profits go directly to supporting young people—with Bristol Birdman seen as a unique opportunity to raise your business’s profile in front of locals.
“We are thrilled to have been part of the first-ever Bristol Birdman,” said Kate Statham, Managing Director of Bakehouse Factory, the 2025 winners. “When we found out about the amazing work Grassroot Communities do, it was the ‘yeast’ we could do.”
For spectators, the event is completely FREE to watch. Just head down to near The Cottage Inn (last year’s event took place from 10am to noon, although no times have been announced yet for this year). Grassroot Communities is also after event sponsors and youth performers to add to this one-of-a-kind event.
To learn more about Bristol Birdman, head here.