If you’ve ever wandered down the streets of Plymouth, chances are you’ve seen him: John Allin, better known as the Birdman. For decades, he’s been a fixture of the city, a familiar face bringing joy, eccentricity, and a little bit of magic wherever he goes.
“Richard Campbell said, ‘Always a pleasure seeing our hero, no matter how you are feeling. This fella always brightens up your day.’”
Another local said simply: “Birdman, we love you.” People regularly stop him in the street for selfies, even police officers, and he’s known by all, loved by all.
There’s even a Facebook group called The Birdman Appreciation Society, which has grown to almost 6,000 members, a testament to his enduring local fame.
The Plymouth Post recently met up with John, to find out the story behind the name. It goes back to the very first Top of the Pops. “I was there with my dad,” he explained, “and he was taking the mick, saying, ‘What are they doing?’ I said, ‘They’re all dancing.’ He said, ‘Yeah, but it’s not dancing, they’re all doing the same.’ So he started doing a silly dance, flapping like a bird, and that’s how it stuck. People just called me the Birdman.”
It’s easy to see why Plymouth has embraced him. Always out and about in town, always enjoying himself, always dancing, he’s a reminder of the simple joys of life. Locals know him as a friendly, upbeat presence, someone who makes the city streets a little brighter just by being himself.
The Birdman isn’t just a character; he’s a Plymouth institution. To be a true Janner, you know his dance, his smile, and his spirit. And if you haven’t met him yet, you’re missing one of the city’s most beloved local legends.
Photographs and Video © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post