Woofstock

WOOFSTOCK

FESTIVAL FOR DOG LOVERS

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.

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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For humans, we have inflatable bungee runs and zorb ball wars to keep them entertained too!

As always, we have our market place and displays from the Police Dogs. We also have agility and flyball displays, and you get to have a go too.

We’ve all realised the importance of our dog companions over the last year; tell us about the charities the event helps support.

The charities we support are incredible. They have had such a difficult time this last year. We have Pawsome Pensions who support police and fire dogs in retirement, Animals in Distress which is a local rescue centre for dogs, cats, rabbits and more. Our third Charity is Animals Asia UK who support moonbears who they rescue from the bear bile farms, and also do work surrounding animals in captivity. We are also very fortunate to have The Medical detection Dogs joining us this year.

Who will be on the guest speakers panel this year, and what topics will they be tackling?

On the main stage both Saturday and Sunday, we have an incredible line up of guest speakers, including: Hannah Malloy, Behavioural Specialist who also presented the Channel 4 programme Puppy School. Hannah will be talking about all things behaviour. Karen Corbett animal communicator who really does speak to and listens to animals! Karen will be talking about how she discovered her gift and how it helps her bridge the gap between humans and their animals. Kara Burrows will be talking about Bowen therapy which promotes pain relief in both animals and humans. Vet Dr Lennon Foo will be talking about health and tips on how to get the most from your vet. Rebecca Pearce from the medical detection Dogs will be talking about the work they do and carrying out demonstrations. It really is an incredible line-up of guest speakers over the weekend.

What’s your particular favourite part of the event?

That is a tough one! Seeing everyone come together and getting to meet as many dogs as we can. Woofstock was described as a festival with a heart. It really is a happy, fun, relaxing and engaging place to be. Many people use it as their annual meet up. The smiles on people’s faces are really infectious, and all the dogs have a great time with space for them to go and chill out on sun loungers and cooling mats with a doggy ice cream. The music nights are great, and everyone gets to have a good old dance and let their hair down. We absolutely love everything about Woofstock. It really is a weekend like no other!

Tickets for Woofstock 2021 are available now via www. woofstockuk.co.uk/tickets/

SUMMER DRINKS CABINET

If supping your favourite cocktail conjures up a favourite destination, then we have a veritable journey for the tastebuds as we look at some of the Summer ‘must-sips’. From easy to make cocktails, crowd-pleasers, and picnic pick me ups, we’re providing some inspiration for your Summer drinks cabinet.

So grab your cocktail shaker, select your garnishes and get ready to be shaken and not stirred.

THE GIMLET >>

’The Gimlet dates back to the 17th century when sailors came to the understanding that high volumes of citrus fruits helped prevent certain illnesses on board, the cocktail is a 50-50 mix of gin and lime cordial and once stirred with ice gives the drink will give a lovely refreshing taste’

50ml Caspyn Midsummer Gin 50ml Fresh lime cordial Cucumber or Lemon peel to garnish

Caspyn Midsummer Gin is a dry gin distilled by Cornish based Pocketful of Stones. 70cl Caspyn Midsummer 35.00 .pocketfulofstones.co.uk

<<BLOOM PASSIONFRUIT SODA

Just in time for summer, BLOOM Gin launches BLOOM Gin Passionfruit Soda, a sophisticated new pre-mixed drink, bringing its signature fruit and floral combination to gin-lovers looking for a fuss-free option for social and treat occasions.

Priced at £2.50 per 275ml serve, the new BLOOM Passionfruit Soda is now available at Sainsbury’s. You can also find BLOOM Rose Lemonade in Sainsbury’s for £2.50. All three flavours can be found on Amazon.

RHUBARB & CUSTARD GIN

This summery nostalgic gin is based on the blissful marriage of rhubarb and custard. Created by The Chuckling Cheese Co. and in perfect time for summer, it tastes wonderful with lemonades or a nice zingy tonic to bring out the vanilla and custard notes.

RRP £35.99 70cl chucklingcheese.co.uk

CUVÉE ROSÉ 2018

Cuvée Rosé 2018 English Sparkling wine, Bolney Wine Estate An elegant and delicate, single vintage, traditional method sparkling wine. Pairs perfectly with hors d’oeuvres and starters, great with cheese, fish and some red berry desserts.

Bolneywineestate.com

READY MADE PICNIC CHALLENGE

Sometimes it’s easier to take the stress out of picnic preparation by purchasing a ready made box that ticks all the picnic essentials. We tried out savoury and sweet options to see what each offered and whether they would help take the stress out of creating that perfect picnic.

This Luxury Beer & Cheese Box was a great combination of organic and charcoal cheese, parmesan thins and pink onion relish. To wash it all down they included a Ninkasi Beer. We think the Charcoal cheese will provide a talking point at any picnic.

Borough Box £49.99 boroughbox.com While not exactly a picnic hamper we loved the New Home Snack Box from the Chuckling Cheese company. The smoked cheese was amazing with the chutney and the whole box would be the perfect solution for cheese fans.

New Home Snack Box £22 chucklingcheese.co.uk These gluten-free Devon flapjacks come from Flapjackery. We picked the Flapjackery’s Box of Favourites which consisted of six giant flapjacks. Each one has been chosen to represent their top sellers with Cherry Bakewell, Chocolate Fudge Flapjack, Chocolate Orange, Millionaire’s, Raspberry & White Chocolate and Salted Caramel Fudge.

£24 for 6 Flapjackery.co.uk