Festivals used to be a staple part of summer before the pandemic – and now, as normality slowly resumes, they are coming back.
But, with many people getting brand new puppies or rescue dogs over lockdown, there is likely going to be a bigger demand for canine-friendly events.
After all, why should your pup have to miss out on all the fun?
Hitting a festival with your dog in tow can be a great adventure for the whole family. But you need to make sure the event you choose is well equipped to keep your pet happy for the whole day or weekend.
That means water stations, snacks, shady areas and, ideally, some fun activities for your dog to take part in.
We took a look around to find the best UK festivals that are accessible and welcoming for dogs.
So have a read, and start packing your wellies and flower crowns.
Where: Hertfordshire
Dates: 22-25 July
What to expect:
This family-friendly music festival is being headlines by Bastille, Hot Chip, Primal Scream and Craig David.
Guests can treat themselves to luxury tents for some glamourous camping, and even wood-burning hot tubs for an extra treat.
Dogs are welcome, with the festival partnered with natural pet food brand Barking Heads and the annual Dog Show featuring high on the weekend line-up.
Where: Hertfordshire
Dates: 11-12 September
What to expect:
Created for a community of dog lovers, Dogfest offers adventurous have-a-go activities, the opportunity to shop dog products, get advice from industry experts and watch exciting arena displays.
As well as the arena dog show, there’s also the Big Dog Walk for all guests to take part in, and the Rehoming Garden in partnership with Dog’s Trust to showcase their canine residents and catch up with dogs who have found their forever homes.
Where: Newbury Showground
Dates: 31 July – 1 August
What to expect:
The biggest ever All About Dogs Show returns to Newbury this summer. It promises a weekend packed with exciting arena displays, expert advice, shopping and lots of interactive activities.
If you don’t have a dog, there’s plenty of fun for humans too.
Win a rosette in one of the fun dog shows, or learn top training tips from the experts. Owners can relax, grab some food and drink and enjoy live entertainment at the Village Green.
METRO.CO.UK LIFELINE NEEDS YOU!
Join us in Oxfordshire on Saturday 2 October 2021, for a fun and feel-good hiking adventure alongside celeb supporters and other Metro.co.uk readers, to help raise money for the life-saving charity Medical Detection Dogs.
With two distances to choose from – 10k and 48k – family, friends and dogs are more than welcome. We’ve got just 75 places up for grabs – so to make sure you don’t miss out sign up here today.
Where: Chepstow
Dates: 29 July – 1 August
What to expect:
The Green Gathering is four days of low-impact living in an area of outstanding beauty. Guests can expect music, comedy, creativity, campaigns. They describe themselves as the ‘original off-grid festival, 100% powered by sun, wind and people.’
Intimate solar stages showcase up-and-coming acts, festival favourites, DJs and poets.
You can buy one of the limited number of dog tickets which will enable you to bring your canine body with you to enjoy all the sustainable fun.
Where: Shropshire
Dates: 13-15 August
What to expect:
This family-friendly music festival features three stages with more than 50 live acts, three bars, children’s entertainment, food vendors, hot showers and clean toilets – and camping is included in the ticket price too.
On top of all this, the festival is completely dog-friendly as well – so the entire family can get involved, with no need to worry about kennels or leaving your dog at home.
There is also animal experiences, circus entertainment and loads of arts and crafts to keep the kids occupied.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE : How to have the best staycation with your dog – and where to go
MORE : How to train yourself and your dog for a long hike
MORE : How to keep your dog cool inside during the heatwave
Metro.co.uk Lifeline 2021
This year sees the return of our brilliant charity campaign: Metro.co.uk Lifeline.
Our aim is simple – to raise as much money as possible for charity with YOUR help.
For 2021 we have chosen to support Medical Detection Dogs, a vital organisation that helps train dogs to sniff out serious diseases such as cancer, Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s and coronavirus.
As well as sharing their story to help raise awareness, readers, charity supporters and celebrities will also be taking on a 26-mile trek or 10k dog-friendly hike across the Oxfordshire countryside on Saturday 2 Oct, 2021.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
To make a donation, click here.
