Filton Town Council is delighted to introduce the 2026 Growing Contest at The Sidings Allotments - a friendly, voluntary and community-led initiative designed to celebrate the hard work, creativity and dedication of our plot holders.
Whether you are an experienced grower or just starting out, this contest is about participation, encouragement and community spirit.
What Is the Growing Contest?
The 2026 Allotment Growing Contest will run across four seasons, with one vegetable, one flower and one fruit category in each seasonal event (winter includes a Best Winter Plot Presentation category). Participants may enter one or more seasons.
Judging days will be informal and welcoming, offering an opportunity for plot holders to gather, celebrate growing achievements and share knowledge.
2026 Contest Categories & Judging Dates
Judging Day Locations
As a community-led initiative, participating plot holders are welcome to vote on where judging days are held.
Suggested locations are available to be voted on within the sign up form and may be subject to change at any time.
Suggested locations include:
- The Sidings / Nutfield Grove - (Respective to each contest)
- Filton Community Garden - (What3Words location: tall.give.snack)
- Elm Park Café - (What3Words location: cheer.tester.scenes)
The final location may be agreed by those attending each seasonal event.
Volunteer Judges Welcome
We are also inviting volunteers to support the contest by acting as seasonal judges.
No formal qualifications are required - just an interest in gardening and a fair, encouraging approach. Judging days are informal and expected to last approximately 1-2 hours per season.
Judging is intended to be friendly, fair and community-focused. The role would involve:
- Attending one or more seasonal judging days.
- Viewing and assessing entries in the Vegetable, Flower and Fruit categories.
- Celebrating effort, seasonal growing and presentation.
- Liaising with the council in relation to merit and recognition.
- Helping promote a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
If you are interested in volunteering, or know someone who may be suitable (including non-plot holders), please contact us.
Merits & Recognition
Rather than competitive prizes, the contest focuses on recognition and encouragement. Participants may receive:
- Seasonal Merit Awards
- “Sidings Grower of the Year 2026” Recognition
- Featured recognition on the Filton Town Council website, Facebook page and allotment notice board (subject to consent)
Media & Participation
Participation may be displayed by plot number only on the allotment notice board and website (subject to consent). Winners may also choose to have photographs of their winning crop, plot presentation, or themselves shared on our website and social media - entirely at the winners discretion.
Plot holders consenting to the above must read, understand and agree to Filton Town Council’s Data Protection & Privacy Policy.
How to Take Part
Complete our online sign-up form. Plot holders at The Sidings Allotments can sign up to participate using the form below:
If you experience any difficulty accessing the form, please contact Filton Town Council directly.
Call: 01454 803 918
Email: office@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk
The contest is currently open to all plot holders at The Sidings Allotments.
Let’s Make 2026 Our Best Growing Year Yet
The Growing Contest is about celebrating effort, learning from one another and strengthening our allotment community. We look forward to seeing what you grow.