Monday 9 June 2008

Item 25: Red Bull Flugtag.... A bit of Birdman

Location: Hyde Park, London

June 7 2008, Red Bull Flugtag, (German: flight day, airshow).

There was a ticket ballot to this 80 000 seat free event held at Hyde Park so it was a genius idea to pass through the gates as close to the 10:30am opening time as possible.

As the starting hour of 1pm neared people started packing up their brunch-time picnics, and inched in closer to The Serpentine lake for a decent view of the flying contraptions that were to take off.

Consequently people with the get-in-quick attitude, were standing in prime position to see over the ‘Red Bull gives you wings’ banners the clever Marketing Department had tied up on the temporary fencing along the banks of lake.

That’s when the Mexican Wave of shouts “Sit Down! Sit Down” erupted from behind. The park came to life with aggravated voices of the crowd sitting in the grassy comfort, too far from the lake to see over our heads.

Should those standing at the banks sit, they wouldn’t have been able to see through the advertising. If they remained in position, the view was perfect. So, they stood their ground.

Round two of the “Sit Down” chant began. It was to be a battle of voices. A “Stand Up” cheer contended. Oh you poor 70 000 people unable to see the birdmen.

I do commend the individuals that came to speak to the “Standers” and negotiate a better view for the majority. Facing a crowd of content spectators and trying to get them to lose the best seats in the house is an admirable effort.

But kudos should go to the person who called the cops and got them to walk through the crowd telling them all to sit down. Who can really argue with that? Thanks also to those, who during the scuffles, removed the obstructive banners. Now you’re thinking!

Item 25: Red Bull Flugtag? Check!