Unlocking London for Red Bull

Event

Robbie Maddison's daredevil motorcycle jump across the raised bascule arms of Tower Bridge

Requirements

Red Bull wanted to execute a stunt that would create maximum publicity to promote the Red Bull X-Fighters event, taking place at London's Battersea Power Station six weeks later. The motorcycle leap across Tower Bridge at 3am on 13 July 09 was also filmed for a Channel 5 television programme.

Event solution

Visit London's Event Solutions team supported Red Bull and presented the stunt proposal to the City of London and the Tower Bridge Trust more than six months prior to the event. Event Solutions' remit to unlock London on behalf of event organisers meant that it could propose a business case that would not only suit Red Bull's requirements but also highlight London as the leading events destination. It would also further emphasise London's position as a city able to support and host unique one-off global event activity.

Event Solutions negotiated with and introduced Red Bull to all the major London stakeholders including the Port of London Authority, the GLA, More London and the Metropolitan Police. All parties needed to agree to the filming and to the stunt taking place.

Maddison, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest motorcycle jump, made a spectacular back-flip across the 262-metre bridge gap, under the cover of darkness.

The filmed stunt was carried out at 3am in order to minimize disruption on the bridge and on the river and to reduce any potential risk to the public.

Zanine Adams, UK Sales and Event Solutions Manager said: "London's vision is to be the world's most exciting major events destination. We have supported Red Bull in making this athletic feat possible so it further highlights the city's fantastic offer. We're delighted that Robbie was able to jump the bridge and we hope his achievement will show the role that both Event Solutions and the Events for London teams play to unlock the city and attract unique events to the capital."