Dogstival returning to New Forest in 2024, to Burley Park, in support of Dogs Trust and Pets as Therapy

AFTER a two-year walkies outside the New Forest, Dogstival is coming “back home” to Burley Park next June.

Organisers said they were delighted to be bringing back the south’s “largest celebration of dogs” and predicted more than 10,000 dog lovers to attend.

Next year’s show, on 1st and 2nd June, will be Olympics-themed, with games featuring working dogs from the military, police, and search-and-rescue teams competing in a scent test.

There will also be a Paralympics games involving assistance dogs competing alongside their owners in a unique challenge.

The festival’s Naturo main arena will host shows from the Paws For Thought display team. Other arenas will feature demonstrations from dog trainers and behaviourists and a purpose built ‘canine MOT’ stage with expert talks on pet health and nutrition.

The Muddy Paws Tavern will host breed meets, dog bingo and the Big Dog Pub Quiz, which will be hosted by Wave 105 host Mark Collins. Festival-goers can expect more than 120 retailers, plus live music, street performers and circus workshops.

The past two Dogstival events were held in Broadlands, Romsey. The inaugural event in 2019 was held in Pylewell Park, Lymington, with Burley Park hosting in 2021. The 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Festival director Domine Nowell of Lighthouse Marketing said: “We are really excited to be heading back to Burley, our spiritual home, with its stunning manor house backdrop and being in the heart of the New Forest which is a paradise for dogs and dog lovers.

“This will be our sixth year, and winning the Best Pet Day Out at the recent Animal Star Awards gives us a great reason to celebrate our four-legged friends by creating our most exciting event yet.”

She added: “At Dogstival the dogs are the VIPs. We have three arenas packed with show acts and demonstrations, plus dozens of doggy have-a-go activities, with giant dog diving pools and themed dog agility playgrounds.

“The summer will see Paris host the Olympics, and we are working on a host of ideas that celebrate the core spirit of the Games, but with our own unique take on things.”

Dogstival 2024 will support Pets As Therapy and the Dogs Trust. Tickets are on sale now via dogstival.co.uk