Thousands of spectators cheer on fearless flyers
Participants travelled from far and wide to be part of the event and in the case of Amos Gill and Amberley Lobo, the other side of the world.
Amos and Amberley, both 22, were filming a children’s TV show for Australian network ABC. In tribute to the Ashes, Amberley, jumped dressed as a cricketer, while Amos had a ‘flying’ bike that was inspired by Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
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Hide AdSpeaking before his jump, Amos said: “I was so confident until I decided to do it on a bike. I may lose the ability to have children. I’m doing this as part of a kids TV show, where I humiliate myself globally.”
Mike Fischetti, prop maker for the show, said the bike was his baby and took two weeks to make.
There were lots of creative outfits and crafts on show from those taking part in the Kingfisher and Leonardo Da Vinci classes.
Mayoress Councillor Norah Fisher’s sons, Mark and Nick Roberts, jumped as villainous duo, Dick Dastardly and Mutley, from Wacky Races, raising money for Canine Partners. Mark said: “It’s just a long walk off a short pier. So far we have raised £1,300 and we are hoping to get to £1,500. It costs £3,000 to train one dog.”
For a full round up of the Birdman weekend, see the Herald series, Thursday, August 15.