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Willy Banjo Blog

Tips, guides and 30+ years of stories from the UK’s most legendary smoke shop

Stories & HistoryGuidesReviews & Comparisons

Stories & History

Silver Palm Leaf pipe – it's back, made in Britain
Shop History
The Silver Palm Leaf: The Credit Card Pipe That Took Over 1994

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Willy and Jimmy with Howard Marks at the Lizard Eclipse Festival 1999
Shop History
Howard Marks Turned Down Our Bong: The 1999 Eclipse Festival

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Killer Bongs Made in Germany by Zooom graffiti advert
Shop History
Killer Bongs: Black Acrylic, a Red Sticker and a Fair Warning

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30 years of festival trader wristbands from Willy Banjo, Preston
Shop History
30 Years of Trader Wristbands: Before the Fence and After

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Hits from the four-foot bong, £1 a go at Willy Banjo's 90s festival stall
Shop History
The Four-Foot Bong: £1 a Go at 90s Festivals

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The Hypnogogic Mind Machine at Glastonbury 99
Shop History
The Hypnogogic Mind Machine: Our 90s Festival Brain Trip

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Willy Banjo B.A.S.H. and Baby Bash 90s rave flyers and photos, Preston
Shop History
B.A.S.H. and Baby Bash: The 90s Raves We Put On in Preston

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Willy Banjo Charity Christmas Party 2026 at The Ferret, Preston
Stories
How a Boring Christmas Meal Turned Into Over £10,000 for the Foxton Centre

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Willy Banjo Highly Commended at Preston High Street Heroes 2026
Stories
Willy Banjo Highly Commended at Preston High Street Heroes 2026
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30 Years of Graffiti on the Willy Banjo Walls
Shop History
30 Years of Graffiti on the Willy Banjo Walls
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Still Here Somehow - the Willy Banjo story of bans, legal letters, festivals and loyal customers since 1993
Stories
Still Here. Somehow. Why People Keep Shopping at Willy Banjo
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The First Year We Didn't Do Leeds Festival
Stories
The First Year We Didn’t Do Leeds Festival
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Willy Banjo head shop Preston our shop
About Us
The Willy Banjo Story: From Markets, Raves and Festivals to Lowthian Street
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21 Glastonburys festival trader stall Willy Banjo
Stories
21 Glastonburys: What the Festival World Looked Like Through a Trader’s Eyes
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How We Pack and Post Your Order
BEHIND THE SCENES
How We Pack and Post
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Willy Banjo at Knebworth 1996 Oasis concert stall
STORIES
The Year We Worked at Knebworth for Oasis in 1996
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Guides

RAW Ethereal vs Elements Phantom rolling papers
Guides
Does RAW Own Elements? The Story Behind Both Papers

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Wedding cigars UK guide from Willy Banjo
Guides
Wedding Cigars Without the Snobbery
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Novelty bongs, a Willy Banjo special
NOVELTY
Novelty Bongs: The Funniest Bongs We Sell (Because Normal Is Boring)
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how to choose a bong willy banjo guide
BUYING GUIDES
How to Choose a Bong — A Straight-Talking Guide From 30+ Years on Lowthian Street
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smelly proof bags
STORAGE
Smelly Proof Bags: What They Are, What They’re Good For, and Why the Sizes Matter
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How to hide valuables at festivals
Guides
How to Hide Valuables at Festivals, in Caravans and on Campsites
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How to Choose a Herb Grinder — Ultimate Guide to Teeth, Threads and Size
Buying Guide
How to Choose a Herb Grinder
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Clean It or Bin It bong and pipe cleaning guide
GUIDE
Clean It or Bin It?
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Reviews & Comparisons

Calvo Aura toothless herb grinder
Buying Guide
Toothless Grinders: What They Are, How They Work, and Whether They’re Worth It
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Glass tips vs paper roaches
Guides
Glass Tips vs Paper Roaches — What’s Actually Better?
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RAW vs Elements rolling papers comparison Willy Banjo
Guides
RAW vs Elements: An Honest Comparison After Stocking Both for 30 Years
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