Dogstival takes a walk from New Forest to Romsey for 2022 event
THE annual celebration of man's best friend, Dogstival, is taking a walk and relocating to Romsey this year after outgrowing its New Forest roots.
The summer event has previously been held at Pylewell Park near Lymington and then Burley Park in Burley, attracting thousands of visitors since it debuted in 2019.
But organisers said it has now grown too big for available locations in the New Forest and this year will be held at Broadlands on the jubilee weekend of 4th-5th June.
Dogstival event director Richard Nowell said: “We are sad to be leaving Burley Park after two years. As the festival has grown in popularity, the increased numbers meant parking was at its limit.
“We were also aware of some congestion on the roads into what is an already popular tourist destination.
“The festival will still be very much connected to the New Forest.
“We know many who attend Dogstival turn the weekend into a mini-break, which helps our tourism economy.
“We’re only a couple of miles down the road in Romsey, so we hope locals will still join us for our jubilee celebrations in June.”
More than 16,000 people are expected to attend, with attractions including six stages or arenas, dozens of have-a-go activities, live music, street performers, a vintage funfair, and over 140 stands.
The event has attracted main sponsorship from holiday company Hoburne, which has parks in the New Forest and Highcliffe.
A spokesperson for Hoburne said: “We are delighted to be the main sponsors for such a great event. Over the last few years, we have heard fantastic things about Dogstival and due to its popularity, it has had to move to a new location."
"We’re really looking forward to the event and meeting with so many dogs!”
New for this year is a canine comedy with the Barking Mad stand-up show. The festival welcomes Adam Bloom, Russell Hicks, Mary Bourke, Tony Law, Barry Ferns and Jonathan Hern, who between them have appeared at the Edinburgh Festival, Glastonbury and TV shows Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I Got News For You and Mock the Week.
To mark the Queen's platinum jubilee celebrations, visitors to the festival can also expect corgi parades, "Bark-ingham Palace" street parties, and huge canine thrones.
Dogstival event director Richard Nowell said: “We are delighted to welcome Hoburne Holidays to our festival family this June. It’s our biggest and best entertainment line-up ever, so a perfect time to join the pack.
“Being based in the New Forest and with dog-friendly holiday parks across the south and south-west, we’re sure the many thousands who’ll be joining the fun will be seeking out more canine experiences throughout the summer.”
For more information and tickets, visit dogstival.co.uk. Day tickets are £15 adults, £9 for children aged 6-16 and weekend tickets from £13.50.
