A tail wagging time for all!

The North East Dog Festival has this week announced its return with a spectacular outdoor weekend festival in the heart of the North East. Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th September are the dates for any dog lovers calendar. 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.

Local business Durham Animal Feeds has jumped on board as a partner and Lee Hornsby; company director commented;

“We are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring the 2021 North East Dog festival. After the year we’ve had we think a huge celebration of the dogs that’ve been there to keep us all happy, healthy, active and company throughout the crazy times we’ve all been through is a must!”

Thanks to the many local dog training clubs and in partnership with activity sponsor My Pet HQ, dogs will be able to try their paw at everything from agility to flyball, gundog scurries to hoopers. There is also the chance to win prizes in games like Fastest Recall and Temptation Alley.

The Vets On The Meowve Wellness Tent will welcome expert speakers on topics ranging from dog behaviour to first aid and many more. Three charity dog shows will have classes in everything from Most Handsome Dog to the Best Biscuit Catcher with lots of amazing prizes thanks to supporters Borthwicks Boarding, Grooms by Emily and Spotty Dog Design.

Lee Lister, Associate Principal 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 with the NEDF team, showcasing the new developments at the college and welcome visitors new and old for an excellent event.”

Don’t own a dog? Don’t worry! Visitors to the festival will also be able to enjoy shopping with over 100 exhibitors and a packed timetable of fun filled displays and demonstrations.

Directors Rebecca Ashworth Earle and Dawn Oliver Doyle commented;

“After the disappointment of not being able to run last 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. This festival wouldn’t be possible without the support of our fantastic sponsors and huge team of helpers not forgetting all our visitors on two and four feet; we hope we can make them proud this September.”