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sk anyone what their ideal ingredients
are for an enjoyable day out, and most
will answer pleasant weather, i ne food
and drink, live music, an array of shopping
opportunities, and the chance to see and try new
experiences. Ask a dog owner the same question
and invariably they will agree — providing their
canine companion can come too, of course.
But, these days, just being branded ‘dog friendly’
isn’t enough — the pet-loving public expects more
from an event. Hence the rise of a relatively new
canine concept, the dog festival, a growing number
of which have been quietly springing up and
gathering momentum across the country in
recent years.
While obviously none can guarantee i ne
weather, each of ers a unique atmosphere in
stunning surroundings with great facilities, a range
of attractions geared towards dog lovers and their
dogs, and the chance to mingle with hundreds
— if not thousands — of like-minded people.DOGSTIVAL
The organisers of a bumper
canine extravaganza in
the heart of Hampshire’s
beautiful New Forest claim
that if a dog could have the best day
of its life, it would head to Dogstival.
Boasting 300 acres to explore,
including a 70-acre lake, woodland
trails, and open i elds, this fantastic
feel-good festival takes place in
Pylewell Park in mid-May. The aim is
to celebrate all things canine while
bringing together the New Forest’s
best food and drink producers,
great live music, a vintage funfair,
hundreds of stands, and an array of
interactive dog displays and sports.
There’s even Dogstival’s own
cartoonist and photobooth, while
TV’s ‘Vet on the Hill’ Scott Miller will
be of ering advice in the Healthy
Hound Den, and canine behaviourist
Adem Fehmi from Dog-ease will
troubleshoot on the Dog House
behavioural stage.
Event director Richard Nowell is
hoping to build on the success of
last year’s inaugural event, which
welcomed 9,000 visitors over the
weekend, and he reports
that ticket sales for 2020 are
already strong.
“We wanted to create an
event with a lifestyle feel that
appeals to every type of dog
and every type of owner,”
explained Richard, whose
Sprocker, Bella, is a useful
sounding board for new ideas
and initiatives.
“All breeds are dif erent
— some prefer water, others
being pampered, while the
more active dogs will enjoy
having a go at agility, lure racing,
or paddle-boarding.
“Meanwhile, owners have the
chance to gain more knowledgefrom experts, acquire
training tips, watch
displays, learn how to cook
a nutritious meal for their
pet, enter a fun dog show,
or simply walk in the lovely grounds.”
Living in Lymington, Richard is
passionate about celebrating the
area’s food and drink producers
and promoting responsible dog
ownership. He works closely with
tourism company Go New Forest
to educate owners about the
importance of keeping their dogs
under control around wildlife and
livestock, especially the famous New
Forest ponies, and picking up and
disposing of poo sensibly.
He puts the rise in popularity
of dog festivals down to more
owners wanting “micro experiences
throughout the year” that cater for
their dogs, as well as featuring good
food and drink, and great music.
“There is a whole movement
wanting this — there are nine
million dog owners in the UK and the
‘hound pound’ is a powerful thing,”
continued Richard, who hopes more
people will make a weekend of
Dogstival 2020 by either camping or,
for posh pooches, glamping.
However, he adds that Dogstival,
sponsored by pet insurance
comparison website Go Get it and
Shorei eld Holidays, has plenty to
keep non-dog owners happy too.welcS s a — b m horchYour 2020 dog festival guide
MAY●May 2 – 3: DogFest South, Knebworth Park, Knebworth House,
Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AX. Visit http://www.dog-fest.co.uk
●May 8 – 9: All About Dogs, Brentwood Centre,
Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9NN.
Visit http://www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk
●May 16 – 17: Dogstival, Pylewell Park, East End, Lymington,
Hampshire S041 5SJ. Visit http://www.dogstival.co.uk
●May 16 – 17: Paws in the Park Spring Show, The South of
England Showground, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
RH17 6TL. Visit http://www.pawsinthepark.net
●May 24 – 25: All About Dogs, Hylands Park, Greenbury Way,
Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8FS. Visit http://www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk
●May 24 – 25: Goodwoof, The Kennels, Goodwood House,
Kennel Hill, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0PX. Visit
http://www.goodwood.com/goodwoofGlamping is an
option at Dogstival.Richard Nowell with
Sprocker Bella.Dogstival is a great
opportunity to sample
good food and drink — for
humans and dogs.There is lots for
dogs to enjoy.18-21 YD Festivals Mar20 CS MH(SW)ok.indd 19 23/01/2020 16: