On 1 and 2 July 2022, Ljubljana’s center was again transformed into an open-air Trampoline park. For the second year round, Novi trg by the River Ljubljanica was the venue for the innovative, adrenaline-filled, and fun sporting event Akrobat Bounce Bridge, which drew recreational and professional jumpers from around the world, as well as crowds of excited spectators. Let’s explore why this event has grown to global proportions.
The idea of jumping on the world’s biggest trampoline was already bounced around in 2021. To make the event even more attractive and unique, the trampoline was set up, of all places, above the River Ljubljanica.
The whole project was developed by Slovenian innovators. The largest trampoline in the world was provided by Akrobat. The Slovenian company manufactured a 13 x 13 m trampoline and the first, 22-meter-long trampoline bridge just for this occasion. Adrenaline jumps and breathtaking stunts were performed by the acrobatic group Dunking Devils, along with acrobats from all over Europe.
The event was well received among fans of adrenaline and fun, which inspired the team to put on another action-packed event this year. On 1 and 2 July 2022, acrobats from all over the world once again gathered on Ljubljanica to put on an unforgettable show.
During the event, the center of Ljubljana became the perfect setting for an open-air trampoline extravaganza. Akrobat once again took part as the main event partner and manufactured all of the jumping surfaces, pads, safety nets, and the rest of the jumping and additional equipment required for this project.
Before the acrobats could put their skills and abilities to the test, the company’s assembly crew needed 7 days to set up the venue for all the action. First, they had to erect 10 tonnes of aluminum construction above the river with a large crane. This was followed by many other jobs, involving the use of 1,000 springs, 50 m2 of trampoline canvas, and an impressive 150 m2 of safety netting.
A whole week of hard work resulted in a superstructure above the Ljubljanica consisting of:
All these trampolines set the scene for a lot of action and, most importantly, fun above Ljubljanica and along its banks. More than 5,200 visitors hopped over the trampoline bridge, and the second festival of bouncing above the Ljubljanica was again attended by numerous Slovenian and international acrobats.
Many interesting events unfolded in the space of two days:
Like last year, the crowds in Ljubljana were keen to see one of the highlights of the festival – the competition for the highest trampoline jump. The acrobats attempted to break the world record that was set in 2021 (10.30 meters).
This year, the competition had an additional rule according to which a jump was only recognized if the competitor touched a bag hanging from a crane. Therefore, what counted was not only the height but also the direction of the jump and control of movement in mid-air. Nevertheless, despite this new rule – and to the delight of the spectators – the world record was shattered! This was done by Britain’s Ernest Brenchley, who touched the bag at 13 m. Ernest was not only the highest jumper but also the winner of the competition for the best trick on the Supernova mega trampoline.
The central trampoline activities were accompanied by plenty of action on the side. All visitors could join the varied offerings in the Fan Zone, where a number of entertaining and free activities were available to the youngest visitors as well as grown-ups.
They could test VR simulators, jump on garden trampolines, climb, dance, enjoy sweet treats and, above all, have fun. The whole program was enhanced with trampoline shows, gymnastic performances, and prize games.
This year’s Akrobat Bridge Bounce attracted another large turnout of both spectators and acrobats, who put on a thrilling show in Ljubljana. And that’s why we’re already looking forward to meeting again next year and enjoying another memorable experience – most likely with new ideas and surprises, so be sure not to miss it!