Dog lovers, mark your calendars for a weekend filled with tail-wagging excitement as DogFest makes its much-anticipated return to Harewood House in Harewood, West Yorkshire on the 7th and 8th of September.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, DogFest 2024 is set to be the ultimate gathering for dog enthusiasts and their four-legged friends, offering a jam-packed schedule of activities, competitions, and entertainment that promises fun for all the family.
What to Expect at DogFest 2024
This year’s festival, held in the picturesque surroundings of Harewood House, promises to be the best yet. From thrilling dog displays and expert-led workshops to a bustling shopping village and a variety of food and drink options, DogFest has something for every dog lover.
Dog activities and competitions
Get ready to cheer on your furry friends as they take on agility courses, splash in giant ball pits, and dive into dogstacle challenges. The ever-popular Fun Dog Show is back, inviting dogs of all breeds and sizes to compete in categories like Best Rescue, Waggiest Tail, Golden Oldie, and even the Most Embarrassing Pup. There’s something for every pooch, with plenty of chances to win fabulous prizes.
Expert advice and workshops
Learn from the industry’s best as top trainers, behaviourists, and nutritionists share their knowledge. Whether you’re looking to improve your dog’s behaviour, learn new training techniques, or pick up some grooming tips, the expert talks and demonstrations at DogFest offer invaluable insights into keeping your dog happy and healthy.
Shopping village
Browse a wide array of stalls featuring everything from premium pet food and accessories to unique dog-themed gifts and art. Whether you’re looking to treat your dog to something special or find a unique gift for a fellow dog lover, the shopping village has you covered.
Food and drink
Indulge in a variety of delicious food and drink options, including gourmet street food and refreshing beverages. Don’t forget to pick up some tasty treats for your dog – there’s something to satisfy every appetite at DogFest.
Kids’ zone
The fun isn’t just for dogs! The dedicated Kids’ Zone ensures that younger attendees have a blast, with activities like face painting, games, and more. It’s a family-friendly event designed to bring joy to all ages.
Celebrating a decade of DogFest
Nicole Cooper, CEO and founder of DogFest, expresses her excitement about the milestone: “We are so thrilled to celebrate our 10th anniversary! Since our first event, more than 50,000 dogs have enjoyed our Dog Diving activities, over 1,000 winners have been crowned in our Fun Dog Shows, and we’ve collectively walked over 650 miles in our Big Dog Walks – which is further than the distance from John O’Groats to Land’s End!”
Harewood House provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration. Its historic charm and beautiful gardens make it an idyllic setting for a weekend of canine fun. Visitors can explore the estate, enjoy scenic walks, and capture unforgettable memories with their beloved pets.
The evolution of DogFest
What started in 2014 as a small gathering for dog lovers has grown into a beloved annual event, attracting over a million dogs and their owners to 29 different venues across the UK. DogFest has become synonymous with celebrating the special bond between humans and their canine companions, with events now held at seven venues across the country.
This year, DogFest will also take place at Ashton Court in Bristol on the 31st of August and 1st of September, and at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire on the 21st and 22nd of September. Each location offers its own unique charm, but the fun and excitement remain consistent across all venues.
Meet the experts at DogFest
Attendees will have the chance to meet and learn from some of the UK’s top dog experts, including:
- Adem Fehmi: A renowned behaviourist and the founder of Dog-ease, one of the UK’s largest dog training centres. Adem brings over 15 years of experience helping dog owners understand and train their pets, as well as address behavioural challenges.
- Chloé Fuller: Host of The Super Spaniel Show, Chloé demonstrates the incredible abilities of assistance dogs through performances with her spaniels, Ted and Cinna. She also shares her expertise as a Companion Animal Nutritionist, offering tips on how to keep dogs healthy and happy.
- Lucy Heath: A professional dog trainer and Heelwork to Music specialist, Lucy is a familiar face to fans of Britain’s Got Talent, where she reached the final with her dog, Trip Hazard. Lucy has also represented the UK in international competitions and works as an animal trainer for film and television.
- Tess Drew: The festival director of DogFest, Tess has been instrumental in shaping the event over the past four years. With a background in organising high-profile events like BBC Countryfile Live and the Daily Mirror Animal Hero Awards, Tess ensures that each DogFest is a memorable experience for all.
Get your tickets now
Tickets for DogFest 2024 are now on sale, with options available for adults, concessions, and children. Special discounted bundles are also offered for family group bookings and weekend passes. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this fantastic celebration of all things dog!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit DogFest’s official website.
Join the conversation
Stay connected with the DogFest community by following them on social media:
