There are so many festivals on the calendar for 2019 offering music, culture, food and drink and more – but what about dogs? The good news is, there are plenty of festivals that are suitable for your four-legged friend. Take a look at our list and see which dog-friendly UK festivals will make into your diary this year.
This list is just a guide, and we suggest you look at each festival’s dog policy before deciding which is the right one for your and your dog. Most ask for the basics like keeping them on a short lead and picking up their poo, but some have more specific rules too. It’s also important that your dog is comfortable with crowds and lots of noise and music so that you can both have the best time.
1. Dogfest
Knebworth House, Hertfordshire – 11th-12th May
Tatton Park, Cheshire – 15th-16th June
Ashton Court, Bristol – 22nd-23rd June
It only seems fitting to start the list with a festival celebrating everything to do with dogs. Expect talks from leading professionals in dog care and behaviour, a giant dog walk and dog show, lots of stands for all your dog’s needs, a dog activity ring, live music and plenty of food stalls to keep you and your pooch entertained for hours – even appearances by Clare Balding and the Supervet himself, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick.
Dogfest takes place in three different locations on three different dates, making it a great day out for people up and down the country. Expect a fun-filled, action-packed day out for the whole family – and most importantly, your dog.
And best of all, we’ll also be on-hand with a stall at the Knebworth event helping even more dogs get started with a unique recipe made just for them. Stop by and say hello.
Find out more: dog-fest.co.uk
2. Foodies Festival
Various dates and locations: May-November
Foodies Festival is a veritable feast for lovers of all things food and drink. Expect to taste an incredible selection of local and artisan produce from around the UK and further afield. You can feast on over 30 stalls of artisan produce, and join the prosecco and parmesan masterclasses, chocolate making, cake decorating and Kombucha workshops (of course).
There are 10 Foodies Festivals taking place across the summer (plus a couple of Christmas feasts later in the year too) stretching from Brighton to Edinburgh. So no matter where you are in the UK, there will be a Foodies Festival near you.
We’ll even be part of the Foodie Festival taking place at London’s Syon Park during the late May Bank Holiday weekend. We’re teaming up with Pippa Penny Wine for a “wine and canine” tasting. Dogs get to taste our treats while adult visitors taste wine – truly something for everyone!
Find out more: foodiesfestival.com
3. Standon Calling
Standon, Hertfordshire: 25th-28th July
Standon Calling claims to be the UK’s most dog-friendly music festival. It hosts its own dog show for festival goers to take part in with categories like ‘Dog with the Waggiest Tail’ and ‘Looks Most Like Owner’.
There’s always a wide variety of bands, DJs, comedy and art installations to enjoy. This year’s line-up boasts a wealth of well-known and up-and-coming names headlined by Rag’N’Bone Man, Wolf Alice and Nile Rodgers & Chic.
Find out more: standon-calling.com
4. The Green Gathering Festival
Piercefield Park, Chepstow: 1st-4th August
Powered by 100% renewable energy (a combination of “wind, sun, people and passion”), the Green Gathering Festival is ideal for revellers looking for a laid-back atmosphere and an eclectic line-up of punk, ska, dance, reggae, rap and poetry.
Green Gathering is the place for you and your pooch if you love psychedelic tunes, politically-conscious singer-songwriters and relaxing folk tunes. Dogs are very welcome, make sure to snap up one of their limited dog tickets for £85, with a £40 returnable ‘good behaviour’ bond.
Find out more: greengathering.org.uk
5. Camper Calling
Ragley Hall, Warwickshire: 23rd-25th August
Camper Calling is a family-friendly music festival, with acts as diverse as Skunk Anansi, Artful Dodger and Tony Christie taking the stage.
There are loads of activities to help you make the most of this beautiful lakeside location, like water sports and tours of Ragley Hall itself, as well as woodland walks that will give your dog plenty of space to stretch their legs. And the “calling all kids club” and Kate’s story tree will keep the little ones busy too.
Find out more: campercalling.com
6. Shrewsbury Folk Festival
Shrewsbury, Shropshire: 23rd-26th August
This year’s festival features another exciting line-up of artists covering the entire spectrum of folk music. And it’s always a firm favourite for dog owners with a warm, inclusive atmosphere. As an extra bonus, there are proper flushing loos – and free poo bags for your doggy too.
Find out more: shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk
7. The Good Life Experience
Hawarden, Wales: 12th-14th September
Founded by four friends in search of the simpler days, this festival is all about getting back to your roots and making the most of the great outdoors.
Activities range from jewellery making and spoon carving to wild swimming and axe throwing. There are talks and presentations from explorers, writers and top chefs too. Or just show off your best moves to their line-up of DJs and musicians, which this year has been curated by Cerys Matthews and Caught By The River.
Find out more: thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk
Have we missed any great dog-friendly festivals for 2019? Let us know in the comments.
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