It's the ultimate celebration of dogs
Established in 2015 it’s the North East’s best-loved dog festival.
Enjoy a packed weekend with have a go activities, main ring displays, seminars, demonstrations, breed area, gundog area, Clever K9 Ring, charity dog shows, shopping at over 120 exhibitors plus much more.
Working closely with experienced clubs and instructors, expert speakers and professional displays; visitors have the chance to access a wealth of knowledge - all in one place.
"Dog welfare is at the very heart of what we do, and as a team we hold a very strong belief that our dogs should be given the best life possible, with kindness, for the short time they grace our lives - and that is very much the inspiration for this event." Festival Founders Rebecca and Dawn.
Have a go activities
In partnership with Activity Sponsor Mains Cottages & Shepherds Retreats.
Try more than 10 different have a go activities from Flyball to Hoopers, Trick Training to Fastest Recall. Whether you have a senior dog, a small dog, a fast dog or a dog that just loves to work...there is something for everypaw!
Don't forget some activities are timed with top dogs winning prizes every hour.
Main Arena
In partnership with Main Arena Sponsor
Better Natural Treats
Our popular main arena returns where you'll be inspired by thrilling demonstrations and performances. Cheer for the fastest flyball team and see if you can pick out the agility winning runs!
Plus new for 2026 is a Hoopers demonstration and a display by The Northern Gundog Club.
Wellbeing
In partnership with Wellbeing Sponsor
Pawsitive Relief Veterinary Rehabilitation
Take a seat, relax, and enjoy an inspiring lineup of talks covering everything from canine nutrition and behaviour to health, wellness, and more. Featuring leading experts from across the country, this is your chance to learn from the best—all as part of your day at the festival. Expect live demos, expert talks and practical tips to help you and your dog live their best life.
This year we are changing things up...so keep an eye on our socials!
Northumberland Dog Rescue
In partnership with dog show sponsor
Paws At Peace.
Our charity dog shows are one of the most popular events for festival visitors with plenty of prizes up for grabs and gorgeous rosettes.
Northumberland Dog Rescue is an established, volunteer-led charity committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs across the region— from Newcastle upon Tyne to
Berwick upon Tweed.
With a full weekend of fun you'll have plenty of classes to choose from whilst raising money for a great cause.
Newcastle Dog
& Cat Shelter
In partnership with dog show sponsor
Hatton's Hungry Hounds.
Our charity dog shows are one of the most popular events for festival visitors with plenty of prizes up for grabs and gorgeous rosettes.
Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter helps animals that are lost, unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned. They reunite lost animals with their owners and find loving new homes for those no longer wanted.
With a full weekend of fun you'll have plenty of classes to choose from whilst raising money for a great cause.
Breeds, Bants and Brains
In 2025 we completely rewrote the script on our breed hang out and it become a visitor favourite. This year it returns, hosted by The Dog Log.
Learn more about your own dog and what drives their behaviour, explore different breeds if you’re thinking about welcoming a new pup, connect with like-minded dog lovers who are just as passionate as you and leave with a new appreciation for the diversity, intelligence, and personalities that make up the dog world.
Gundog Scurries
In partnership with Gundog sponsor
Track and Trail Canine Outfitters
This year we welcome back festival veterans Nordic Gundogs with their Hurdle Scurry, Hunt Scurry, Water Retrieve and the ever-popular Lure.
New for 2026 is the Northern Gundog Club who will be hosting a scurry area. Scurries come in all shapes and sizes but the aim of them is always the same, for a dog to retrieve a dummy in the quickest time possible. These exercises provide fun for both the handler and dog.
Some gundog activities are timed, with top dogs every hour winning a gorgeous rosette.
Clever K9 Ring
In partnership with Clever K9 Ring sponsor
Alnorthumbria Vets
Returning this year after a great debut in 2025, this exciting new ring will host completely free, 20-minute dog training sessions throughout the day, perfect for brushing up on basics or trying something totally new.
From canine fitness and confidence building to loose lead walking, recall, trick training, and more – there's something for every dog and owner to enjoy.
All participants will get a certificate. Space is limited in classes so make sure you register at the ringside.
Shopping
This year is on course to be another record breaker for trade as we welcome over 100 trade stands - You'll find everything you could wish for when it comes to your dog; from handmade dog treats and accessories to some of the UK's biggest and best loved brands.
Not forgetting the humans where you can wine and dine with fabulous food and drink plus a range of homemade goodies.
Plus much more
As well as all your festival favourites we often welcome special guests throughout the weekend.
The Royal Kennel Club will return
with their Scruffts Qualifier on
Saturday 22nd August.
Plus much more...
Look out for
the letters!
In partnership with
Artificial Grass North East
They've been with us since we first started and they are a symbol of all things NE Dog Festival! It's the giant grass letters.
Keep an eye out for them across the site and don't forget to tag us in your photographs!