Welly Wanging competition returns to Greville Smyth Park on May 4th
Posted on: 01 May 2026The Welly Wanging Competition at Greville Smyth Park on May 4th (10am–2pm) is exactly the kind of lighthearted, slightly absurd event that brings people together. For anyone unfamiliar, “welly wanging” is essentially competitive throwing of a Wellington boot—simple, chaotic, and surprisingly entertaining. The event is open to all ages, family friendly and is likely to be a relaxed day with plenty of laughs; as is often the case with these brilliant revived traditions. In addition to the competiton, there is an optional dress up theme of Star Wars characters, being May the 4th and all! So if you've got a costume tucked away from the classic sci-fi film series then now is the time to dig it out.
The event is being organised by Friends of Greville Smyth Park (FroGS), a small volunteer group working to improve the park’s biodiversity and create a more engaging space for the local community. Alongside the welly wanging, there will also be a simple nature treasure hunt and ‘Creature Seekers’ activity, encouraging children to explore the park, spot wildlife, and engage with nature in a fun and accessible way.
At its heart, the day is about bringing people together, helping them reconnect with the outdoors, and highlighting how a small group of volunteers can have a meaningful impact.
We’re also using the event to build awareness and support for current and future projects in the park—from biodiversity planting to more ambitious long-term plans, including what we hope will become Bristol’s biggest park “slider.”
It’s a joyful, grassroots celebration, and we’d love to spotlight the ongoing efforts to look after this much-loved green space.