The Bristol Birdman
Supporting young people and communities to fly!
What is Bristol Birdman?
“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
Set on the city’s iconic harbourside, teams create home-made, human-powered flying machines using only recycled materials, and launch themselves off a platform in front of thousands of cheering spectators.
It’s wild, creative, and unforgettable. But more than that, it’s for a good cause.
All proceeds go directly to support the work of Grassroot Communities, helping young people from underserved areas of Bristol build confidence, skills, and brighter futures.
Young people are at the heart of the event, from helping judge the competition to gaining paid work opportunities as part of the event team. Many have taken part in our programmes and are now leading the way, showing what’s possible when they’re given the chance to shine.
The 2025 event was a huge success!
In June 2025, thousands gathered at Bristol Harbourside to witness something unforgettable: the city’s first-ever Birdman event.
An estimated 7,000 to 10,000 people attended.
10 incredible teams took part.
And more laughter, cheers, and splashes than we could count.
Now we’re getting ready to do it all again — even bigger.
Will your business be part of it?
🌟Sponsorship Opportunities 2026
For 2026, we’re introducing exciting Sponsorship packages, a chance for standout businesses to play a leading role in one of Bristol’s most exciting and creative community events.
As a key event sponsor, you’ll benefit from:
- Prominent branding across event spaces, print, and digital media
- Inclusion in media, press, and video content
- Opportunities to creatively integrate your brand into the day
- Recognition on stage, in content, and across our growing audience
We’re open to bespoke sponsorship ideas that reflect the spirit of your business — and we’d love to co-create something unique that weaves into the 2026 event schedule.
👉 Get in touch to explore tailored opportunities:
Let’s make something brilliant together — and support young people to fly while we do it!
”This is more than just a wild flight into the river – it’s about showing up for the young people in our city who don’t always get the chances they deserve. At CPA, we believe every kid deserves support, encouragement, and someone cheering them on. If building a wobbly flying machine out of junk puts a smile on their faces and helps raise money for the people who lift them up every day – then we’re all in and we all win.”
David Tanswell, CEO & Founder of CPA
Bristol Businesses – Why enter a team?
When you take part or sponsor Birdman, you’re not just building a flying machine. You’re:
“We are thrilled to have been part of the first ever Bristol Birdman. When we found out about the amazing work Grassroot Communities do, it was the ‘yeast’(least) we could do.”
— Kate Statham, Managing Director, Bakehouse Factory (2025 winners)
Bristol Birdman is proudly organised by Grassroot Communities, a local not-for-profit organisation working with young people aged 8–30 from underserved communities across Bristol.
We support young people in building skills, confidence, and meaningful connections, helping them become the change they want to see in their own lives and communities.
Our year-round work includes:
- Detached youth work
- Mentoring and leadership programmes
- Creative, nature-based and sports projects
- Youth-led media like podcasts and events
All profits from Birdman go directly back into these life-changing, grassroots-led programmes – creating lasting opportunities long after the final splash.
Ready to take the leap?
Thanks to our Event supporters!
2025 Teams
Harbour Masters