Wallace & Gromit’s Wrong Trousers Day returned on Friday, 16 May 2025, bringing smiles, silliness, and strong community spirit across the UK in support of a deeply meaningful cause. Inspired by the beloved claymation duo Wallace & Gromit and their iconic 1993 short film The Wrong Trousers, this annual event transforms an ordinary day into a colourful celebration of creativity and compassion.
What is Wrong Trousers Day?
Organised by The Grand Appeal, the official charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital, Wrong Trousers Day invites people of all ages to don their most outrageous, mismatched, or downright bonkers trousers. Whether it’s in schools, workplaces, or community centres, the goal is to raise funds to support sick children and their families when they need it most.
The day takes its name from The Wrong Trousers, a fan-favourite Wallace & Gromit short featuring a pair of mechanical trousers with a mind of their own. The film’s charm, humour, and heart perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the event—fun with a purpose.
2025 Theme and Highlights
This year’s Wrong Trousers Day encouraged participants to go bolder and more creative than ever, with the theme: “Stand Out for Sick Kids.” Across the country, thousands of people stepped out in style wearing clown trousers, pyjamas, sequinned bell-bottoms, and other fashion disasters in the name of charity.
Highlights from the 2025 campaign included:
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Schools holding catwalks and classroom competitions for the most eye-catching legwear.
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Offices embracing the fun with “Trousers of the Day” votes, dress-down donation schemes, and Wallace & Gromit-themed bake sales.
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Celebrities and influencers joining the campaign and sharing their looks on social media under the hashtag #WrongTrousersDay.
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Local communities running family-friendly events, parades, and mini fundraisers, all decked out in their “wrong” trousers.
Why It Matters
Beneath the fun lies a serious mission. The money raised through Wrong Trousers Day goes directly to The Grand Appeal, which funds:
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Life-saving equipment and facilities at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
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Support for families navigating the challenges of having a child in hospital.
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Specialist staff roles, including play therapists and music therapists.
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Cutting-edge medical research and treatments.
Thanks to generous support from the public, the Grand Appeal continues to transform the hospital experience for children from across the South West, South Wales, and beyond.
How You Can Still Get Involved
Although the official date for Wrong Trousers Day was 16 May 2025, you can still take part at any time. The Grand Appeal encourages people to choose a date that works best for them.
To get involved:
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Register at www.grandappeal.org.uk.
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Wear your wackiest trousers and spread the word.
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Organise a fundraising event—at school, at work, or even virtually.
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Donate or fundraise online to support the cause directly.
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Share photos on social media using #WrongTrousersDay and tag @thegrandappeal.
Whether you’re wearing glittery flares, inflatable trousers, or odd pyjama bottoms, every pair of “wrong trousers” helps make a real difference to real families.
A Grand Day Out with a Purpose
Wallace & Gromit’s Wrong Trousers Day has become more than just a quirky event—it’s a beloved annual tradition that turns eccentric fashion into life-changing impact. So whether you’re five or fifty, in school or in the boardroom, Wrong Trousers Day is your chance to stand out, be silly, and support an extraordinary cause.
For more information or to sign up, visit www.grandappeal.org.uk and help bring a little more laughter and a lot more hope into the lives of children who need it most.