The Bristol Birdman
14th June 2026
Supporting young people and communities to fly!
What is The Bristol Birdman?
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!
“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
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.
On 15th June 2025, 7,000-10,000 spectators watched as 10 teams competed for the ‘Furthest Flown’ award, now we are inviting teams to enter for the accolade 2026! Other awards, such as the most creative use of recycled material are also up for grabs.
🌟Sponsorship Opportunities 2026
Bristol Beer Factory have taken the plunge as Bristol Birdman’s first confirmed sponsor!
We’ve introduced 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.
👉 Let’s make something brilliant together Get in touch to explore tailored opportunities
”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 The Bristol Birdman go directly back into these life-changing, grassroots-led programmes – creating lasting opportunities long after the final splash.
Thanks to our 2025 Event supporters!
2025 Teams
Harbour Masters