Excitement is building at Diggerland Kent as visitors prepare for a very special head to head event taking place on Saturday 11th April 2026. At 2pm, 13 year old construction sensation Finlay Gallagher will go up against Diggerland’s very own Dave Smith in a mini digger challenge to see who will be crowned the ultimate champion.
This unique showdown will put skill, precision and control to the test as both competitors take on the Skittles challenge using only a mini digger and a custom-made digger attachment, to knock down pins right in front of visitors at the park!
Meet and Greet with Finlay
As well as taking part in the challenge, Finlay will be available during the day to meet young visitors who are interested in construction and machinery. Children who dream of working with diggers one day will have the chance to speak with him about how he developed his skills and discovered his passion for operating plant equipment.
Finlay will also be documenting his visit and capturing footage throughout the day for his growing social media audience.
About Finlay Gallagher
At just 13 years old, Finlay Gallagher has officially become the youngest qualified CPCS backhoe loader operator in the UK. His passion for construction machinery started at a very young age and has already led him to achieve something truly remarkable.
Finlay spent his school holidays training on the iconic JCB 3CX Plus, developing the skills needed to operate the machine with impressive confidence. He successfully passed his Construction Plant Competence Scheme test at Flynne Plant Training Centre in Rochford, Essex, demonstrating both strong theoretical knowledge and excellent hands on ability. His training covered digging, loading, lifting and operating attachments with precision well beyond his years.
Construction clearly runs in the family. Finlay is the grandson of Pat Gallagher, who founded The Gallagher Group more than 50 years ago. It is clear that the passion for machinery and the construction industry is continuing into the next generation.
Taking on a Diggerland Veteran
Finlay’s opponent in this exciting challenge will be Dave Smith, Park Manager at Diggerland Kent and one of the most experienced operators on the team. With nearly 20 years of operating experience, Dave is a familiar face to regular visitors and an incredibly valued member of staff.
Dave has spent many years working within the popular Diggerland park, as well as assisting across the other construction companies within H. E. Group.
Known for his knowledge, patience and willingness to help visitors learn how to operate the machinery, Dave has become a real favourite among guests at the Kent park.
Speaking about the upcoming challenge, Dave said:
“I do not even know how many operating hours I have under my belt, but it is certainly a lot. I am really looking forward to the challenge and loved seeing Finlay at Plantworx last year.”
Experience the Action Live
The challenge will take place at 2pm and promises to be an exciting moment for visitors to watch as experience meets the next generation of talent. It is not every day you get to see a rising young digger operator go head to head with a seasoned professional.
Whether you are a fan of construction machinery, a young visitor dreaming of operating diggers one day, or simply looking for a great day out, this special event at Diggerland Kent is not to be missed.
The only question that remains is simple.
Who will be crowned the ultimate mini digger champion?
Book your Diggerland tickets online for Saturday 11th April 2026 and you will be able to watch the showdown live in front of your eyes, included within your admission ticket.
