Dogstival, which takes place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June, is a must-do for any fun-loving fido’s doggy diary. Boasting a prime spot within pooch paradise New Forest in the beautiful Burley Park, and with a wealth of dog-friendly accommodation nearby from such as the Dogstival-approved boutique hotel Montagu Arms, cosy cottages from New Forest Cottages through to glamping, this two-day pooch fest is the perfect excuse to book a 2024 petaway!
But prospective pawtrons better start limbering up. It's estimated that a dog will clock up approximately 40,000 steps during their day at Dogstival, taking in all the brilliance that will be staged purely for their enjoyment. And for 2024, Dogstival leads the pack as having the most ‘have a go’ activities than any other doggy festival in the UK. Not only that, Dogstival 2024 will be crammed with quirky fun, features and food that has more than 10,000 dogs zooming back year after year.
Hounds and their humans can also expect to be dazzled by various displays taking place in the Naturo Main Arena, such as the Paws For Thought Display Team, who bust out the best canine tricks and games, and the all-action Little Nippers & Terriers Racing where dogs are welcomed into the arena for canine chaos chasing the lure. Bringing a further Olympic twist to the entertainment will see working dogs from the military, police, search and rescue battle it out in the ultimate challenge of scent work and agility.
Additionally, the Top Dawg Show Ring is all about crowd participation inviting dogs of all shapes, sizes, ages, and breeds to strut their woof to win a host of fun titles. At £5 to enter, their good-sport nature will benefit Dogstival’s charities.
Dogstival also has plenty of spaces to chill, soak up the atmosphere, be entertained, enjoy a cheeky doggy nap and more – with the Dogfuriendly Muddy Paws Tavern being a brilliant spot for a well-deserved rest. Stocked with dog beer and treats, the Tavern invites patrons to relax and soak up expert talks, enjoy dog bingo and flex brain power in the Big Pup Quiz, with prizes up for grabs. Throughout each day, Muddy Paws will also host breed meet ups and Dan the Hat Circus Skills & Comedy Show. Beyond the Tavern, the showground to be buzzing too, with the double decker Boogie Bus Bar spinning the tune and the Hound Dog Music Stage playing soul, blues, Motown, folk, country, and pop classics.
Guests can also put their paws up while polishing up their knowledge and learning something new at the Canine MOT Centre stage, which will be dispensing all the latest canine health and wellbeing know-how, as well as advice on how to keep your pooch in tip-top condition.
No festival is complete without food and for both hound and human, Dogstival has heaps to tempt the tastebuds. For dogs, expect treats and puppuccinos from Pop & Bark, and marvelous meaty flavours at the Lickie Mat Café from the Raw Pet Food Pantry to name but a few, and for humans, food will also be ‘local’ from Hampshire vendors such as the Crispy Duck Rotisserie and Oink BBQ. Plus, there will more than 120 stands bursting with goodies to treat a pooch!
Of course, visiting dogs are the VIPs of the weekend, but Dogstival ensures that all the fun is paid-forward too, by helping showcase the work and raise funds for charities such as Pets As Therapy and Dogs Trust, who will have their Rehoming Village at the event. Dogstival will also be managing their carbon pawprint, improving on last year’s efforts to recycle 67.5% of the event waste and on-boarding sustainable practices that apply to both them as event organisers and their various exhibitors and vendors.
Dogstival 2024 takes place on 1st and 2nd June 2023 a Burley Park, Burley, Hampshire, BH24 4BS. Tickets are priced from £18 adults, and from £10 for ages 6-16yrs, under 5’s go free. Weekend tickets also available. For more information and tickets, visit Dogstival.co.uk. Follow @dogstival on social for all the latest event updates.