Dogstival to go ahead this June

Dogstival is set to go ahead this summer in line with government restrictions, with dates set for 5 June and 6 June in Burley Park in the New Forest.

The weekend festival will feature a host of activities, including ‘Barkour’ a parkour adventure playground for dogs and canicross, cross country running with dogs, with flyball, agility and fun scent demo challenges, as well as a giant K9 dog diving pool.

There will also be a live canine cooking stage which will focus on canine nutrition, while This Morning’s Vet Dr Scott Miller will hold talks and demonstrations on the Dog House Stage.

Pop-up Vet and Physio Drop-In Centres will also be positioned throughout the showground, so owners have the opportunity of one-to-one feedback for their pet.

In addition, the festival’s Main Arena will feature demonstrations from  gundog expert Sam Thatcher, Little Nippers and Lurchers & Hawk racing. It will also feature displays from Hampshire Fire and Rescue ‘Arson Task Force’ Dog Team, a flyball tournament with leading teams from across the south taking part, as well as quizzes and a sports day.

There will also be live music, more than 140 independent stalls selling treats, toys and accessories, and locally sourced food and drink, catering for all tastes or dietary requirements.

Proceeds of the festival will go towards a range of charities including The Dogs Trust, Service Dogs UK, Pets As Therapy and Support Dogs For Epilepsy & Autism, with £5 entry to the Fun Dog Show and any donations via Dogstival’s free show programme split equally between the causes.

Dogstival organiser Richard Nowell said: “We can’t wait for June to arrive and are excitedly putting together a show programme that celebrates the coming together of those four-legged friends, who have been the best therapy this past year! 

“We’re a team of passionate dog lovers and every little feature and activity we plan has one thing at the heart of it – a dog’s delight – and we’re counting down the days until we can get together with friends old and new in our beautiful home at Burley Park.”