DOGSTIVAL, the festival dedicated to four-legged fun, is back this June to show the nation’s pooches some love this summer. Jam-packed with all the things a dog loves.
Headline sponsored by Naturo pet food, Dogstival’s five-star fun is ever present with four-legged guests treated to epic arena displays, ‘have a go’ activities such as agility, scentwork and flyball, as well as fun dog shows. Dogstival has also teamed up with UK Agility, who will be hosting a regional tournament within the festival, so pups of all levels can compete for rosettes.
There’s also the Barkour adventure playground and giant splash pools for water-loving woofers. But with their ‘Glastonbury for dogs’ credentials, paw-trons can also expect a generous layer of Dogstival’s bonkers-ness too!
Starting at the Dogfuriendly Muddy Paws Tavern, guests will be able to let their fur and hair down at doggy discos, dog bingo and pub quizzes throughout the weekend, before heading over to The Hound Dog Stage to carry on shaking their groove thing to tribute acts such as Sing Out Sisters Abba Tribute and a 30-strong ‘En Masse Pop Choir’.
The main arena will be hosting Dogstival’s first ever Doggie Sports Day – think eight-legged races, relay with dogs or a spot of egg and spoon. What could possibly go wrong?! Keeping on an animal experience theme, dog-lovers can also watch the Shetland pony display team with child ‘jockey’ riders whizzing around.
For something more holistic, Dogstival’s Canine MOT Centre will offer a one-stop shop for dog wellness advice and insight to help pups stay in peak condition. There’s also various ‘fitness challenges’ with a 0-30mph speed test, long jump and a test of sniffing power with scent work games.
For the first time ever at Dogstival, attendees will also have the chance to reflect on all the dogs they have loved and lost in the touching ‘Over the Rainbow’ memory garden.
As ever, Dogstival will be gift-wrapped with over 140 shopping stands catering to a dog’s tastebuds, lifestyle, fun, health and wellbeing, as well as a smorgasbord of delicious hound and human food. Guaranteed to get tails wagging, pups will be able to tuck into tasty treats from The Four-Legged Fancies bakery, puppuccinos from Pop & Bark and mini dog pizza from the Chulli Pizza stand. Flavour? Poocheroni of course! Meanwhile pet parents will be able to feast on a whole host of delicious foods from around the world including crispy duck rotisserie, melted cheese raclette and churros. So, guests are encouraged to come hungry! For kids young and old, Dogstival will also have a vintage fun fair.
Every year the festival supports a number of charities with proceeds from the Fun Dog Show and this year welcomes The Dogs Trust with their rehoming village to help find amazing pooches their furever home. Dogstival is also supporting a number of selected charities and causes for our 2023 event including Pets As Therapy and Guide Dogs and StreetVet.
Dogstival’s Summer of Love festival for dogs and dog-lovers takes place on 3rd and 4th June 2023 at Broadlands Park, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 9ZD. Tickets are priced from £18 adults, 6-16yrs from £10. For more information and for tickets, visit Dogstival.co.uk and head to @dogstival on social for on-going ‘pupdates’.
Published on 17 May 2023 by Ben Robinson
