UK POPS Bigway Formation Camp 2026

Hot on the heels of last year's combined POPS/SOS formation alongside the SOS UK Record Attempt, POPS UK organiser Mike Nisbet has wasted no time in raising the stakes for 2025. Mike has confirmed a dedicated POPS Big Way Camp, running Monday 13 to Friday 17 July at SkyHigh, Shotton Colliery, Peterlee — and it comes with serious intent.

The camp is designed as both a progression opportunity and a stepping stone towards a POPS UK Record Attempt later this year. The record to beat? A 36-way formation set back in 2006.

Leading the event are Load Organisers Larry Henderson and Scott Latinis, with Patrick Passe currently to be confirmed. In safe hands, then.

Eligible participants need a minimum of 100 jumps, the ability to consistently dock on a 4-way, and — crucially — POPS membership. The camp promises a challenging but low-pressure environment, with jumpers flying multiple slots, exiting from both left and right trail aircraft, tracking off in teams and flying their canopies safely and with confidence when 35 other people are setting up for landing. 

The current plan comprises two 36-way groups, as well as a smaller group (to help those who are less-current to progress).

Exit altitude will be 16,500–18,500ft (with oxygen provided).

The plan is for four to six jumps per day across the five days — budget for 20 jumps in total. Jump ticket pricing will be scaled between £37 and £42 depending on single or multi-plane configuration. The current aircraft package comprises of SkyHigh's Caravan and a second Aircraft TBD, giving a 30-way configuration with two video slots. A third aircraft is currently under discussion — should it be confirmed and the 30-way formations be achieved, a larger formation attempt will be on the cards. 

The registration fee is prospectively £245, with a £50 non-refundable deposit due on Registration and the final balance before 15 May 2026. Final pricing is yet to be announced - due to possible increased costs, such as fuel surcharges. (Mike and his team are applying for funding to support the event in order to keep these costs as low as possible.)

Registration gets you world-class load organisers, a committed group of like-minded jumpers, a camp T-shirt or jersey, two communal meals (those who were there last year will know what to expect — think fish and chips with mushy peas and/or curry sauce), and the chance to earn an LO reference for larger events. Please flag any dietary requirements at registration.

Registration closes at 16:00 on 15 May, so don't hang about. Head to this Event link to sign up. 

Manifesting and ticketing arrangements will be communicated to the team directly. (The team insists: please do not load funds onto a SkyHigh account just yet.)

Mike will be on the DZ from Friday 10 July. He and the team are also investing in build-up weekends at various DZs between now and 10–11 July, and would welcome support from the wider community to get fellow POPS in the air ahead of the main event.

For further information or any queries, contact Mike at POPS-SOSEvents@outlook.com, or on +44 7748 534914.