The sky was grey, a feeling of imminent rain filled the air and a cold wind was gusting along the promenade. The summer had arrived at last. Despite the weather the crowds turned out to watch Bognor's annual festival of daring flyers, wishful thinkers and should know betters.

The event always attracts a good mix of serious entries and a full range of fancy dress charity jumpers. As the crowds began to arrive with winter woolies on and umbrellas held high the first jumpers began getting their craft ready on the pier. 

As news crews and cameramen from around the world began setting up for the day a more local team of cameramen arrived. The Bognor Regis Film Workshop were covering the event with the aim of creating a film archive of life in Bognor Regis. The first event of the day was a sailing display by the Bognor Regis Yacht Club. This was followed by Butlins Entertainment performing Australia Recovered. 

As the Birdmen prepared themselves for their interviews Karen Noble "Queen of Soundalikes" kept everyone entertained with songs made famous by Cher, Tina Turner and Dusty Springfield. The competitors were now ready to meet their public. David Barker arrived in the guise of Dr Who, to raise money for an air ambulance. Anthony Jordan was raising money for the charity Brainfog disguised as a 'Supermoose'. We even had Scott Tracey (Barry Fisher) arrive in Thunderbird 1.

But before these amateur jumpers could take to the air the professionals showed them how it was done. The Red Devils parachute display team put on a spectacular parachute display, skimming over the pier before landing in the sea. 

With the stage set for a great afternoon, the jumping began with the novelty and charity entries. Local entry Keith Lane celebrated 'Independence Day' by jumping with the Statue of Liberty. Dr Who just took things in his stride as he materialised in the sea, and Thunderbird 1 did an impression of Thunderbird 4 and the 'Dastardly Dive Bomber' just bombed. 

But then it was time for the more serious entries. It was clear these entrants had spent time and money developing their craft, but even these imaginative and ingenious designs were no guarantee of success. No matter how hard Cindi Pettit pedaled she was going to get wet. 

Tony Hughes an ex-world champion hang glider pilot won this years event with a distance of 82.5 meters, putting Ron Freeman last years winner in second place. But the day was not over. 

With more entertainment from Butlins Entertainments Australia II and more songs from Karen Noble, the crowds went home happy if more than slightly wet. In spite of the weather another successful Birdman, lets hope the weather's better next year.