Birdman will fly again next year in Bognor Regis

The event will take place on July 16 and 17 and hopes are high it will be a hugh success.

At a Joint Western Arun Area Committee, which brings together parish, district and county councillors, Birdman organiser Barry Jones passed on his thanks.

He said: "International Bognor Birdman will be back next year. I am getting old, but I am a fighter and I will not give up."

"I would like to thank the committee for allowing Birdman to go ahead, and also for the 5,000 grant which without we might not have been able to continue.

"It is just such a shame that half the grant, 2,500, had to go on insurance costs."

The event, which attracted competitors from across the globe, took place on September 12.

Mr Jones said: "The event was a huge success and drew in crowds of at least 5,000.

"It was a shame the announcement from Arun District Council giving final approval was so late, as it discouraged some competitors since it meant they could not get here in time."

The Birdman returned to Bognor Regis following a three-year break after concerns regarding the integrity of the pier because of storm damage were raised.

What do you think? Click here to send a letter to [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP