Thousands of dogs go barking mad for return of Dogstival and Broadlands

Canine kings and queens gathered at Broadlands in Romsey in their droves for Dogstival, which also marked the Platinum Jubilee.

The festival, which is set to continue throughout Sunday, is expected to welcome around 15,000 people and thousands of their furry companions across the weekend.

It is the first time the event has been held at Broadlands, after previously taking place in the New Forest at Burley Park and outgrowing its home due to its popularity.

Billed as the 'ultimate doggy weekend', there were four arenas full of canine approved entertainment, live music, street performers and the Muddy Paws Tavern which hosted talks and breed meet ups.

At this special Platinum Jubilee edition, plenty of pooches enjoyed a giant doggy Barkingham Palace street party with a British afternoon tea created just for four-legged diners. Plus, huge canine thrones.

Owners got to try their hand at Crufts-style activities, including Barkour, Dogstival’s twist on parkour, where pups can navigate their way through an adventure playground of agility ramps, tunnels, ball pits, see-saws and more, as well as agility, hoopers and flyball.

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Early bursts of rain made way for a largely sunny afternoon, but plenty of pups still made a splash by launching themselves into a giant 10m dog diving splash pool and enjoying water-based retrieves.

Paul Brett from Farnborough entered his dog Daphne into one of the competitions. He said: “We came last year when it was in Burley but this is the first time we’ve entered Daphne into anything. We booked for five nights specifically just for this - it’s awful fun. Daphne learnt a trick, she didn’t win but it was just great to see her in the ring enjoying herself with the other dogs.”

New for 2022 was the Stand-Up Canine Comedy with the Barking Mad Comedy Club.

Guests perched on hay bales were also treated to family-friendly shows with canine experts and comedians, before more adult stand-up show started as the afternoon went on.

The comedy line-up joined Dogstival’s wider entertainment offering of live music, which this year included modern choir groups Love Soul Choir and Sing Now Choir, street performers and vintage funfair rides. While a host of Hampshire and Dorset vendors offered a range of street food for hungry humans and dogs alike.

Garry and Jane Marsh are visiting friends in Lymington and decided to come to the festival with their dog, Nina. They said: “We’ve loved it, it’s very friendly down here and there are lots of beautiful dogs. Nina has got her collar on for the jubilee as well. She got a little bit wet earlier on but thankfully the sun has come through now.”

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