Bognor Regis is a lovely town by the sea known for its sandy beaches and places where you can get ice cream. And now, something really special happens here called the Birdman Competitions! If you've ever wished you could fly like a bird or if you like seeing people do crazy and daring things, you're in for a treat. Put on your special flying goggles, and let's explore this exciting event together.
The Birdman Competitions happen every year in Bognor Regis, and it's all about people trying to fly using their own inventions. They build funny and unique flying machines and then jump off a big pier into the water, hoping to fly a little bit. But here's the funny part: most of them don't really fly, and that's what makes it so funny!
Surprisingly, these competitions have been going on since the late 1970s. It started as a funny idea from a local businessman named Alf Rippon, and now people from all around the world come to join or watch.
In the beginning, the contestants used all sorts of strange things to try to fly, like big kites or even huge rubber ducks! It's mainly grown-ups dressed up as pirates, superheroes, or cartoon characters, having a blast jumping off the pier.
Imagine you're standing at the edge of the pier, dressed up as a penguin or a giant banana, with some homemade wings attached to your arms. The sea breeze makes your feathers (or banana skin) ruffle, and you feel very excited as you get ready to jump into the water. This is what the Birdman Competitions are all about!
People take turns jumping off the pier, hoping their creations will let them glide over the water, even if just for a few seconds. Their goal is to stay in the air as long as they can before they make a big splash when they hit the water.
One of the best things about these competitions is how creative people get. Contestants don't just build flying machines; they turn them into pieces of art. You'll see flying bathtubs, giant animals, flying cupcakes, and more. The crazier and more imaginative, the better!
By Somewhere in the world today... - https://www.flickr.com/photos/somewhereintheworldtoday/4989626749/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=102662270
People spend a lot of time designing, building, and decorating their creations. The results are often really funny and always entertaining. These flying machines become the stars of the show and the people who made them feel proud of their silliness.
While the Birdman Competitions are about trying to fly, they're also about making a big splash when you land in the water. The bigger the splash, the more fun it is! When a contestant hits the water, the crowd usually cheers as they come out of the water, all wet but feeling proud.
Judges don't just look at how far people fly; they also consider how creative and entertaining the flights are. It's all just for fun, and everyone has a good laugh.
These competitions are not just a strange event; they're a big, fun festival. There's lively music, food stands, and games for everyone. Families come to the pier to enjoy the fun and cheer for the brave contestants. Plus, over the years, the event has raised a lot of money for charity, so it's not just about having fun but also giving back to the community.
Whether you're a brave person wanting to take a jump or just someone who wants to watch and have a funny day out, you shouldn't miss the Birdman Competitions in Bognor Regis. It's all about being creative, brave, and having a lot of fun.
So, mark your calendar, find your old Halloween costume, and get ready to see the silliness and daring of the Birdman Competitions. Who knows, you might even want to try flying for a few seconds and make some unforgettable memories. See you at the pier!
Check your understanding
What is Bognor Regis known for, and what special event is taking place there?
Can you explain what the Birdman Competitions in Bognor Regis are all about?
How did the Birdman Competitions start, and who was behind this idea?
What do participants in the Birdman Competitions build, and what is their main goal during the event?
Besides flying, what other aspects of the Birdman Competitions make them entertaining, and how do they contribute to the community?
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Vocabulary
Flying goggles: Special goggles worn for protection when flying.
Inventions: Things that are created or designed, often with new and creative ideas.
Pier: A long platform extending over the water, often used for recreational activities.
Kites: Objects that are flown in the air, typically made of paper or fabric attached to a frame and tethered to a string.
Rubber ducks: Small, floating, rubber toys often shaped like ducks and used for play in water.
Sea breeze: A gentle wind coming from the sea.
Glide: To move smoothly and gracefully through the air.
Silliness: A quality of being amusing or lacking seriousness.
Splash: A sudden and noisy movement or impact into water.
Judges: People who evaluate and make decisions in a competition.
Festival: A celebration or event typically featuring entertainment, food, and various activities.
Creative: Having the ability to think imaginatively and produce original ideas or works of art.
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