Making a weekend of it!

COVID-19 may have stopped play for this year's doggy social event of the year, but good news has been released by the team behind The North East Dog Festival.

Usually a one day event, the festival will return in 2021 for a full weekend. On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th September 2021, the Northumberland based festival will welcome thousands of owners and their dogs for a packed weekend of wooftastic fun.

Every dog will have its day with attractions and activities for all. Dogs can try their paw at everything from Agility to Flyball, Gundog Scurries to Hoopers plus multiple dog shows! There is also the chance to win prizes in games like Fastest Recall and Temptation Alley. Human visitors can enjoy shopping with a range of exhibitors and a packed timetable of fun filled displays and demonstrations.

New additions for the 2021 festival includes the Elaine Hill Sheepherding Display, sure to be a crowd favourite with a fast paced and fun demonstration of herding skills. The Wellness Marquee will welcome expert speakers on a variety of dog related subjects, whilst the Breed All About It area will be a specialist section that will house a variety of breed clubs and charities; offering visitors the chance to seek support, advice and information on specific breeds.

The festival will take place at Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus in Ponteland, a specialist animal and land-based training venue that is perfect for the scale of the event, set in the beautiful Northumberland countryside.

Lee Lister, Associate Principle at the college, said: “We’re looking forward to once again hosting the North East Dog Festival at our Kirkley Hall Campus. “The event is always a huge success as we welcome thousands of visitors and their dogs for an amazing day out and we can’t wait for the 2021 festival, where we can continue our collaborative relationship, showcase the new developments at the college and welcome visitors new and old for an excellent event.”

Directors Rebecca Ashworth Earle and Dawn Oliver Doyle commented; “Our ultimate mission, as always, is to create a festival that engages, educates and excites. Our own team of dogs are the inspiration for this event, and with 44 paws between us….it's a big team! We are always looking for ways to build and make the festival even bigger and better; 2021 is no exception. After the disappointment of not being able to run this year, we decided to go full steam ahead and offer a whole weekend. Planning is already well underway and we’ve plenty up our sleeves that will help put this event on the map for the region.”