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WOOFSTOCK F E S T I VA L F O R D O G LOV E R S Founded in 2014, the award-winning event welcomes families and their dogs to join in a weekend of canine-themed fun. Visitors can expect a host of exciting attractions at the festival: fun shows for dogs to get involved in, including agility and flyball; a shopping village full of doggy-related stalls; plus unique activities such as paw painting at the ‘Pawcasso’ tent and a doggy diving pool. Dog lovers will also welcome the panel of guest speakers offering important pet care advice on topics such as dog first aid and animal behaviour. What’s more, there will be live music performances in the evening for families to enjoy, which organisers have made sure are suitable for sensitive doggy ears. However, non-dog owners are also welcome across the weekend too, with the evening music sure to provide entertainment for all. Taking place from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th August 2021, visitors can choose from either a weekend, daytime, evening, or camping ticket. And, if families are looking for a more luxury experience, there is a glamping option with a variety of tents to choose from — all of which include an exclusive Very Important Pooch treat basket! We caught up with organisers and founders Heather and Carol Nesbitt-Bayley to find out more about their fascination with our pawed friends and how Woofstock UK has taken off in leaps and bounds (every pun intended).
We love the idea of combining two of our favourite things, festivals and dogs, but what made you decide to launch Woofstock? Heather: Back in 2012, our dog Harry saved my life. During recovery, we thought how can we repay what Harry did and celebrate dogs for the amazing beings they are. Woofstock was born over a drink in a pub in Dorset. Carol: It was supposed to be a one-off event, but it took on a life of its own. People come from all over the UK and abroad each year to join us for the weekend. It has become a true celebration of dogs and all other animals too. Is it all about pedigrees, or are mongrels welcome? Woofstock celebrates all dogs. We do hold a fun dog show, but that is just a tiny part of what Woofstock is. Woofstock is an opportunity for dogs to be dogs and to have their very own festival tailored to them and their needs. It truly is a festival by dogs for dogs.
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How has the event developed since its launch in 2014? Since 2014 we have gone from a 9-acre field in Dorset to over 30 acres of fun in Devon. It has gone from a 1-day event to a full weekend festival where people can camp and glamp. We also introduced Woofstock music nights as we wanted to ensure the humans did not get bored. So, Friday and Saturday night turns into an amazing music festival. As always, dogs are at the front of our minds, so we have safe spaces for humans and their dogs to sit back from the stage and enjoy the music without the dogs becoming overwhelmed. What’s new for 2021? This year we have introduced new events. We have a Pawcasso tent where, for a small fee, you can go and paint with your dog on canvass. Yes, it may be messy, but what a souvenir to take home with you. We have also introduced a beach theme this year so expect plenty of water for the dogs to swim and jump into. >>
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