A word from the editor So, assuming everything went to plan, by now we should be out of lockdown with all legal Covid restrictions now dropped by the Government. And before too long (August 16) the requirement to self-isolate for people who are doublejabbed should also no longer be required. It appears, and I say this tentatively, as though we are over the worst. What better way to celebrate a terrible and tough 18 months than with one of the town’s best loved and biggest events? But then, I would say that! Those who know me will know that I am part of Ilfracombe Round Table who organise the (usually) annual Birdman event which sees would-be aviators hurl themselves off the pier into the icy waters below in the hope of ‘flying’ the furthest. As well as attracting crazy folk who jump into the harbour, the event also draws huge crowds who come to enjoy the spectacle - as well as everything else the day offers. There will be live music all day on our famous Truck Stop stage, amazing food, great beers and ciders, wonderful local stalls and much, much more. As well as raising valuable funds for worthy local charities and causes,
the main reason we give up so much time and energy to put on this event is to give something back to the town. Businesses around the seafront will tell you Birdman is the busiest day of their years and council car parks are also usually full to capacity for the entire day. I’ll be totally honest, we had several long discussions about whether or not it would be right to host an event of this nature given the past 18 months we’ve all endured. But on reflection, we all felt it was
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important - both as a way of helping businesses that have had a tough year and also to give something fun to the locals. We appreciate there is still a lot of nervousness surrounding the unlock from Covid restrictions, but please rest assured we will have systems in place which will go above and beyond to help protect people - while also allowing everyone to have a jolly good time to boot!
Leo
The Ilfracombe Magazine
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