After endless months of eat, walk, sleep, repeat, thousands of dogs finally had the chance to let their fur down at the ‘ultimate doggy day out’, Dogstival, bringing more than 8,000 humans along as chaperones.
Dogstival – billed as Glastonbury with the bark-factor – took place in the Burley Park in the New Forest, last weekend (June 5-6).
Now in its third year and a sell-out, top attractions included Barkour, which saw dogs navigate challenges such as agility ramps, ball pits, see-saws and dog-sized caravan, plus the K9 Splash Pool – a giant 8m dog diving pool where water-loving dogs launched themselves into water for fun and to cool off.
With more than 140 stalls selling every doggy delicacy or bit of kit imaginable and locally-sourced food and drink vendors, dog owners also did their bit to help support small, independent and artisan businesses by indulging in food, drink and gifts for themselves and their dogs.
Dogstival show director Richard Nowell said: “With all that has gone on these past 12 months, it was truly amazing to see people come to together to enjoy time with their dogs. It’s been a year in the planning and we are delighted to report a sell-out success – the sun even made an appearance, too!
“Dogs have really helped us during lockdown, keeping us active, offering cuddles on down days and even making occasional appearances on Zoom calls, so they really deserved a treat and what better way to reward them at a day out that’s all about them.
“We now can’t wait to get planning for Dogstival 2022.”
