Bristol's first ever Birdman event took place at the city's Floating Harbour today, Sunday, June 15, and provided some magnificent sights.
In our live blog below you'll find video and pictures of the teams of daredevil competitors trying to soar across the water in their own handmade flying machines, usually dressed up in outrageous costumes in an attempt to wow the crowds.
There were a fair few splashes as those taking part flew or simply dropped off of the end of a pontoon and tried to make it as far as possible before hitting the water below.
The contraptions can only be made from recycled materials that can then be fished out of the water and reused.
There is a prize for whoever makes it the furthest, and other prizes handed out for things like style, costumes, the flying machines themselves, and even how much of a show the teams put on before take-off.
All Aboard Watersports, which is based nearby, are the event’s main sponsors, and local firms including Amdaris, Arup, theatrical company Bakehouse, Brightpearl, financial firm CPA, Puppet Place, Old Market restaurant Tomo No Ramen and Grassroot Communities itself, are among the companies and organisations who have entered teams.
The event was organised by Grassroot Communities, a community-based organisation that is creating sustainable change in everyday communities in Bristol through dedicated youth and community work.
Thousands have turned up to watch the brave amateur aviators take to the skies...and the water.
We will keep you updated with video and pictures in our live blog below. Send us your own video and photographs if it is safe to do so here.
Key Events
The last competitor at Bristol Birdman 2025
Organiser Grassroots Communities' entry to the Bristol Birdman finished off the event in some style. Let's hope that the aerospace engineers and aviators of the future have been inspired by today's spectacle.
A Mexican wave at the Floating Harbour
Spectators performed an impressive Mexican wave at the floating harbour during the competition.
A solid run up
This Bristol Birdman didn't manage to fly very far but isn't a bad swimmer.
A colourful Bristol Birdman takes the plunge
Bristol has a fine history or aerospace engineering. It has not been much in evidence today.
Banner shows the teams taking part - recognise any names?
There have already been some weird and wonderful creations, costumes and characters
BristolLive reporters in attendance have described "thousands" of people lining the Floating Harbour to watch.
They also report some of the descriptions of and inspiration behind some of the designs:
Software design company Amdaris describe their design as a jellyfish umbrella from space, with pilot Josh saying he is an alien who crash landed in Bristol a year ago and is trying to get home."
Tomo No Ramen, a noodle restaurant in Old Market have by far the most elaborate machine so far, with balloon material from Cameron Balloons."
Bakehouse Factory, an events production company, have a giant pink toaster with a man inside and lots of people dressed as condiments. A piece of bread is going to be the hang glider."
A reluctant Bristol Birdman competitor
This ladybird appears to have little or no confidence in her design team's understanding of aerospace engineering.
Teams begin attempting to take flight
Photos show crowds gathering
