Cumbria Soaring Club's annual event was a roaring success this year as it raised £6k for worthy causes with over 100 pilots attending.

Every year, the club aims to raise substantial funds to give away and invites applications for funds up to a maximum grant of £500 from groups and organisations.

The Lakes Charity Classic paragliding competition took place on the Showfield in Grasmere from 20-23 June 2024 and saw 122 UK and international pilots attend plus dozens of free flyers.

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Competitors from as far as South Africa and California came to enjoy Lake District mountain flying at its best.

Challenges included flying an aerial orienteering course going point to point with GPS instruments to record progress and on Saturday (June 22), twelve pilots made it to their target field in Appleby from Heron Pike.

The X-Lakes Hardcore hike and fly race series also challenges pilots to attain the most Wainwright summits (214) by air over two-days starting from Grasmere Sports Field.

(Image: Cumbria Soaring Club) Retaining his 2023 title, Millom pilot Keith Paterson won this event by tagging a staggering 75 peaks.

Elite pilot, paragliding guide and special guest competitor Kinga Masztalerz joined from New Zealand and said she found the Lakes stunning but very testing territory.

A coaching group of 17 newer pilots explored various mountain take off areas and flew from Latrigg at the foot of Helvellyn where emergency services were called to pluck a pilot out of a tree.

The pilot and glider from the coaching group remained unscathed however.

Club chairman Barry Roberts said: "It’s exciting to bring together the paragliding community from far and wide for the biggest UK event of its kind to explore the skies in the majestic Lake District, support the tourist economy and generate a surplus of funds for deserving Cumbrian causes."

(Image: Paraglider) The organisers wish to thank local businesses Sick and the Wrong (Keswick), U.K. Airsports (Threlkeld), Grasmere Distillery and Salewa (Kendal) for their generous sponsorship which enabled the club to pledge £6000 to support 11 worthy groups.

Recipients include Thirlmere Recreation Hall, the Bendrigg Trust, Growing Well, 1st Hensingham Scouts of Whitehaven and Vision of Adventure.