Worthing birds flew sky high at Worthing Birdman

Crowds were estimated to have reached 20,000 as spectators flocked to Worthing at the weekend to enjoy the sunshine and witness serious flyers attempting to win the £30k jackpot and the mad antics of the fun flyers raising funds for charity in this years Worthing Birdman.

Months of planning ensured the event went off without a hitch. It was estimated that over 8,000 people came along on Saturday and over 12,000 on Sunday probably all suffering from sunburn now as the weather was so fabulous. The event's facebook and twitter sites have been alive with activity with spectators and competitors sharing photo's and stories of the 2009 Worthing international Birdman; some spectators tuned in on-line watching the events on the live webfeed.

Steve Elkins just missed out on the £30,000 jackpot achieving 99.86 metres of flight but won the furthest flight and overall birdman winner awarded for longest flight over the two days.

Sharon Clarke, Worthing Town Centre Manager and organiser of the event, said: "The feedback has been phenomenal with so many people ringing and emailing saying what a great time they had and how great Worthing felt over the weekend. The weather was fantastic and following the disappointment of 2008 - where due to the severe weather the Sunday flights were cancelled. - this was a relief to everyone involved with the event. We can't wait until 14/15 August next year when we plan to do it all again!"

Paul Yallop, Leader of the Council, adds: "Having lived in and around Worthing since 1965 I can't remember ever seeing so many families enjoying themselves on the beach. The positive media coverage is brilliant for the Town and I hope local businesses enjoyed bumper profits to help them through the recession."

Peter Bennett, President of Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce said: "We are very pleased  that the partnerships between the Chamber of Commerce, Worthing Borough Council and Compass Travel was successful over the Birdman weekend and made the Town Centre more accessible and helps to support such events.  Our aim is to help our Members generate business.  This event attracted more people into the Town and, hopefully, benefited Retailers and our Members in the Service Industries.  The more attention that Worthing gets, the more visitors we will generate and that means a better spend in the Town.  Staging successful events in the area is good for business all round and we will be happy to partner in any future opportunities."

Chris Chatfield, Managing Director of Compass Travel, adds: "We carried just under 1000 passengers on return journeys over the weekend. The park and ride went really well. I think this is an excellent result especially when you consider the number of cars kept out of the town and was a great add-on to the birdman event. "

www.worthing.gov.uk

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