An event that Lonely Planet described as a ‘must do’ activity is coming back for its 40th year this bank holiday weekend.

The Chapel World Bog Snorkelling Championships started in Llanwrtyd Wells as a ‘swimming event’, but now draws competitors from all around the world. It is a happy, family event augmented once again by by the free Chapel sponsored Bogfest music festival. In addition to athletes competing for the fastest time to snorkel the 120 yards up and down the bog there is highly anticipated fancy dress competition; with an extra category this year; best Ruby costume.

Those in attendance can witness the fancy dressers snorkel in their attire. Those in fancy dress will be judged before entering the bog, so they won’t miss out when they get dirty.

There are multiple support events including the Bogathlon on Saturday morning; 60 yards in the bog, 2 miles cycling in and around the bog followed by an even damper, muddier 1 mile run. Other events include ditch racing, wife dragging, husband carrying and MTB bog snorkelling (weighted bike and jacket supplied!).

There is music, food and drink at the bog on Sunday with Bogfest kicking off in town on Saturday afternoon after the Bogathlon and then continuing in town after the Sunday action at the bog draws to a close. There is parking on site, but also a free shuttle bus all day on Sunday to and from Llanwrtyd town centre.

The current champion is Neil Rutter, who finished in a time of one minute and eighteen seconds.