Dogfest Bristol is an action-packed weekend in the amazing grounds of Ashton Court Estate, surrounded by thousands of gorgeous dogs. Celebrating its 6th year. This event is for the whole family to enjoy where you can treat your four-legged friend to the best day out ever!
The event is hosted by legendary Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, it all began back in 2013 originally a one day get together in Surrey. Noel wanted to create something where everyone who loves dogs could be amongst like-minded people. Over the years, Dogfest has grown in leaps and bounds to now become an amazing weekend for people across the country to enjoy. It now has annual events in Bristol at Ashton Court, Herefordshire at Knebworth House and Cheshire at Tatton Park.
What to expect
This exciting festival has something for all dog lovers including amazing and daring action performances, dog dancing and agility displays, expert advice of caring for your pooch, shopping, music, food and so much more.
You can take part in many activities watching your dog doing something that they haven’t had the opportunity to do before. Some activities have a small extra charge.
Hay Bale Racing – Watch as your dog leaps over a series of hay bales all the way to the finish line. This is a friendly, not serious, competition dogs will be timed, with prizes being awarded for the fastest time of the day. There are even extra treats given for the funniest runs too.
Flyball – A team of will guide you and your dog as they leap over hurdles, towards a box that releases a tennis a for your dog to catch as they land on a spring-loaded pad.
Agility – Run by the Guild of Dog Trainers, a team of experienced dog handlers who will help novices to learn how to approach the obstacles correctly and safely. Obstacles include jumps, A-frames, pole weaving and tunnels.
Obedience Challenge – Challenge your dog training skills to see if your dog will respond to your commands whilst completing a timed course. On command your dog will be expected to be able to sit, stand, lie down, high five/paw, stay and come. Prizes are given for the most obedient dogs and the fastest round.
Dog Diving -The most popular have-a-go activity and such a great activity to watch. Dogs jumping into a big pool of water, having a splash and a swim. Places are first come, first served, you won’t want to miss this one!
Temptation Alley – Dogs are enticed by treats and toys as they head down the course. The aim of the game is for them to resist the temptation and get to the finish line without stopping or eating the goodies on offer along the way. Would your dog be able to resist?
The Activity Arena
One of the most popular attractions at the show, the Activity Arena is jam-packed with exciting displays and demonstrations. Look out for sports with dogs, Flyball which is fast and furious and the dogs absolutely love it. Also there is the fantastic show from ShadowQuest Display Team, whose highly trained dogs abseil from a 30ft tower and zip wire across the arena. Another amazing display is from Conquest-K9 featuring non-stop action with agility, 6ft high jumps, fire hoop jumps and criminal work.
Fun Dog Show – Of course, the festival has to, have a dog show. A chance to show off your special pooch to the audience. Open to everyone, each day enter a class in one of the four Fun Dog Show Rings. Winners of each class go through to a category final and winners of their category will then go through to the overall “Best in Show” held at the end of the day – Entries are £2 per class. Advanced entries are advised. Online ticket purchasers can register to enter in advance for Saturday or Sunday.
These fun class categories range from Loveliest Lady – Best Female Dog – 1yr +, Most Fabulous Fella – Best Male Dog – 1 yr +, Cool Pup – 6 months to 1 yr, Best Rescue Dog, Golden Oldie (Best Dog Over 10 years), Dog with the Waggiest Tail, Dogs Got Talent and many more. The First rounds start at 10.15am and finish at 3.15pm. Round 2 – Category Finals is between 3.30pm and 3.14pm, with the Best in Show being judged at 4pm in Ring One.
See the very important Class Descriptions and Timetable.
Puppy Zone – Specially created to give you advice and a chance to learn more about the new member of your family – Organised by Puppy School the UK leading network of well-trained and professional puppy trainers. Advice and techniques for training, play, discover, chill and learning.
Walkies – The Great Dog Walk. Twice a day at 11am and 3pm join thousands of others on a 2km or 4km walk around the glorious grounds of Ashton Court Estate with your four legged friends. Led each day by Noel Fitpatrick and Clare Balding.
Kid’s Area – A place for your children to enjoy themselves and burn off some steam. Have fun and play games and enjoy the new obstacle course for children under 14.
This festival focuses on bringing together a community of dog lovers from across the country, to celebrate and rejoice in the bond shared between dogs and people. Take a picnic and enjoy the whole day in the glorious grounds of Ashton Court Estate.
Tickets – Adults online £16.50 at the gate £21.50. Children online £10.50 at the gate £16.25, Families (2 adults 2 children) online £11.25 pp, £15 at the gate pp. VIP £90 pp. Children under 6 are Free. Book your tickets.
Open times – Saturday and Sunday 9.30am – 5.00pm. Parking is Free
Address – Ashton Court, Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN
Driving – The best postcode to use in your Sat Nav is BS3 2JT. As you approach the venue, AA signage for DogFest will be up – follow this to reach the car park.
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