One of the North East's biggest celebrations of dogs is set to return later this month, with organisers unveiling a packed programme of activities for pups and owners.
The North East Dog Festival will take place at Kirkley Hall, near Ponteland in Northumberland, on August 22 and 23 - bringing together dog owners, trainers, charities, exhibitors and animal welfare experts for a weekend of entertainment.
Now in its 11th year, the festival will feature arena displays, training sessions, charity dog shows, wellness talks and more than 150 trade stands.
Organisers say the event is designed for everyone from experienced dog owners to those considering welcoming a dog into their family, as well as locals simply looking for a family day out.
Among this year's attractions are a range of "have-a-go" activities, including agility, flyball, hoopers, scent hurdling, trailing and fastest recall challenges.
Dogs of all breeds, ages and abilities will be able to take part, with some events featuring hourly leaderboards and rosettes to add a competitive edge.
North East dog festival returns this month.
(Image: NORTH EAST DOG SHOW)
The Main Arena will also host professional displays throughout the weekend from six-time Crufts Heelwork, Music champion Nicci Hindson and sheepdog handler Thomas Longton.
Visitors will also be able to listen to talks from veterinary professionals, behaviourists and trainers on the Wellbeing Stage to learn more about topics like nutrition, training, and behaviour.
The Clever K9 Ring will also return this year, offering free 20-minute training sessions to visitors, covering everything from recall and loose-lead walking to clicker training and gundog foundations.
More than 20 classes will be available, including Best Rescue, Loveliest Lady, Most Handsome Fella, Best Trick, Waggiest Tail and Fancy Dress, with entries accepted on the day.
Crossbreed dogs will also have the chance to qualify for Crufts 2027 when the Kennel Club's Scruffts competition returns on the Saturday, August 22.
The North East Dog Festival returns later this month.
(Image: Northern Echo)
Organisers also spoke of their excitement, as the festival's gundog area has been expanded for 2026, for dogs to test their retrieval skills and take part in different challenges.
Festival directors Rebecca Ashworth Earle and Dawn Oliver Doyle said: "It is difficult to believe we are already in our 11th year.
"What started as a small idea has grown into one of the biggest celebrations of dogs in the North, and we never take for granted that thousands of people choose to spend their day, or their whole weekend, with us.
"The festival is about so much more than a day out. It celebrates and supports the clubs, charities, trainers, experts and small businesses that make our North East dog community so special.
"For us, it's always been about the dogs."
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- For a full list of activities planned for the weekend, visit: What's On | nedogfest
Two charity dog shows will take place over the weekend, raising money for Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter and Northumberland Dog Rescue.
Early bird tickets are available online until midnight on the day before the event.
Adult tickets cost £12, children's tickets £4.20, while family tickets for two adults and two children cost £30. Children under five can attend free.