Daredevils stun Lublin in highlining fest

Participants in the 6th Urban Highline Festival, Lublin. Photo: PAP/Wojciech Pacewicz

170 aces from 25 countries took part in the jaw-dropping antics, which are part of the annual Conjurers Carnival in Lublin.

Highlining is the highest form of slacklining, neither of which should not be confused with walking the tightrope.

“The difference is that the line stretches, it moves along its entire length,” festival organiser Jan Galek told the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

“Tightrope walkers typically make use of a pole to help keep their balance, and the line that they are walking along is taut.”

'Slackers' have no such aids, relying on their wits alone.

That said, each 'slacker' was fitted with a special harness in Lublin to guard against potentially fatal falls.

Participants in the 6th Urban Highline Festival, Lublin. Photo: PAP/Wojciech Pacewicz

Besides historic mansions and houses in the Old Town, participants also walked between higher edifices, including city government office buildings (pictured).

“This sport is actually for everyone,” Galek argued.

“It doesn't require any great physical effort.”

However, Lublin locals were clearly impressed.

“This is amazing, I think it requires a lot of courage,” one spectator told PAP.

“I'm already tired out, because you have to turn your head back to watch it, and you get sucked in and it's hard to leave,” he added. (nh)