This weekend DogFest, in partnership with Agria Pet Insurance, opened their doors to thousands of families, dogs, dog owners, and pup enthusiasts for two unforgettable days at Ragley Hall, marking the beginning of the festival’s national tour.
The weekend saw two days full of sunshine, shopping and tail-wagging entertainment, celebrating everything we love about our four-legged friends. There were expert talks on canine wellbeing and behaviour hosted in the new, vibrant Big Top, and the venue was filled with the excitement of have-a-go activities, including the brand-new Scentwork Arena for pups with busy noses, agility challenges, and the ever-popular Dock Diving Pool. Across the grounds, Boom Circus dazzled visitors with their roaming performances, blending comedy and acrobatics to the delight of visitors of all ages. For the nervous dogs, the tranquil setting of The Calm Corner was there for any dogs needing a quick break from the buzz of the field.
This year’s event introduced the upgraded DogFest Plus experience, offering guests exclusive perks including premium parking, a private paddock with splash pools and ball pits, free ice cream for both humans and hounds, and early access to popular activities like the Fun Dog Show in partnership with Agria Pet Insurance – which saw 21 lucky pups leave Ragley crowned everything from waggiest tail to best rescue. Ragley Hall’s Best In Show title on Saturday went to therapy dog Daisy – who spends her days touring between retirement homes and schools, offer people of all ages comfort and support.
DogFest and Agria this year set it as their mission to champion animal welfare, and at Ragley Hall was proud to welcome the Spaniel Rescue Foundation, a dedicated charity working to support spaniels and their owners across Great Britain. Their presence brought both awareness and real impact; dogs seeking forever homes met potential adopters, and the generous attendee donations from the weekend will directly support food, care, and training for dogs in need.
“We loved welcoming dog lovers from across the area to kick off DogFest’s summer season with sunshine, smiles, and plenty of wagging tails,” commented DogFest Event Director Tess Drew. “It was especially heartwarming to see some of the dogs rehomed through the partnered charity – Spaniel Rescue Foundation – attending. We hope to see you at Knebworth next month!”
The Agria Dog Walk was a particular highlight, bringing together hundreds of participants to stroll through the scenic parkland and raise funds for charity. Breed Meet Ups in partnership with Agria Pet Insurance also gave dog owners a chance to bond over their shared love for their breed, adding to the spirit of community that makes DogFest so unique. DogFest will continue its tour across the UK, visiting:
- Knebworth House, Hertfordshire (7–8 June)
- Tatton Park, Cheshire (21–22 June)
- Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire (12–13 July)
- Ashton Court, Bristol (6–7 September)
- Harewood House, Yorkshire (13–14 September)
- Loseley Park, Surrey (27–28 September)
Don’t miss out on the biggest and best DogFest events ever, book your tickets now at www.dogfest.co.uk
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