Top Five Dog Friendly Festivals
While Glastonbury isn't suitable for pets, these festivals go out of their way to cater for them.
Dog-friendly festivals this summer
Family trips can be hard to plan, especially if you’ve got a dog in tow. But with many of the UK’s family festivals now embracing man’s best friend, there’s no need to leave your beloved pooch at home if you want to experience some of the summer’s best festivals and events.
To save you the trouble, we’ve sought out some of the most animal-friendly festivals taking place across the country this summer. Just make sure there’s plenty of room in your tent and don’t forget to pack the dog food!
Farmer Phil’s Music Festival – 8th to 10th August 2014, Shropshire
This colourful event was organised as an alternative to the more mainstream festivals and features discussions on sustainability and green issues, and a farmer’s market to a backdrop of live music. Seminal electronic act The Orb have already been confirmed for 2014.
Dogs are extremely welcome, as long as they promise not to chase the cows!
Family tickets (two adults and two children) from £220
www.farmerphilsfestival.com
The Pet Show – 2nd to 3rd August, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
Stoneleigh Park’s luxurious camping facilities mean families (and animals) can spend a comfortable, relaxing weekend at The Pet Show. Featuring eight diverse zones, this annual event is a must-see for pet lovers, who’ll get the chance to meet different breeds of cats and dogs, as well as hundreds of other species, while taking part in animal workshops and enjoying spectacular animal displays.
A Street Cat Named Bob author James Bowen will be in attendance, as will television’s Marc the Vet.
Family ticket (two adults and two children) is £40.48 when booked in advance. Camping booked separately, from £15.
www.thepetshow.co.uk
Towersey Village Festival – 21st to 25th August, Towersey Thame, Oxfordshire
The Towersey Village Festival is celebrating its 50thanniversary this year with headline shows from Richard Thompson and Seth Lakeman. It is considered one of the country’s most family-friendly events of its kind, and also allows you to bring your dog on to the site.
As long as you keep your well-behaved pooch on a lead, they’ll get the chance to explore the festival along with you and your kids.
Adult tickets from £160, five to 11-year-olds from £55, younger children free
Stainsby Festival – 18th to 20th July, Derbyshire
This well-established but intimate festival is a not-for-profit event, meaning all proceeds from ticket sales go to charity. It’s also a friendly occasion, with families especially welcome and plenty of space for dogs.
And it isn’t just focused on music – the Rattlebox Theatre Company and the innovative Past Lives Project are both taking part in 2014.
Adult tickets from £60, under-18 tickets from £25
www.stainsbyfestival.org.uk
Shrewsbury Folk Festival – 22nd to 25th August, Shropshire
Despite its name, this festival doesn’t just feature folk musicians, although acclaimed acts such as Bellowhead are lined up for 2014. There’ll be plenty of family fun, workshops, dancing and more, as well as the chance to bring your dog along for the ride.
As ever, they must be kept on a leash at all times, but having welcomed plenty of dog-owners in the past the festival is fairly relaxed about friendly pets.
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) from £375
www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk
Sent by jwc on behalf of The Pet Show
For more info/interviews etc: john@jwcpr.com / 0161 381 0184
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