Dog agility festival returns to Rutland
THOUSANDS of dogs and their owners will descend on Rutland next month as a major event returns.
The Kennel Club International Agility Festival will see thousands of entries, from the UK and abroad, leaping into action at Rutland Showground for a second year running.
The Kennel Club is welcoming dogs of every size, shape and breed to put their best paw forward to compete in the four fast-paced days at the UK’s largest agility show, which runs from Thursday, August 11 to Sunday, August 14.
The festival packs in four size categories, 18 rings and 200 classes, so there is an opportunity for every dog and owner duo to take to the stage at an internationally renowned agility competition, whether a complete novice or established professional.
While entries for this year’s events have now closed, spectators - and their dogs - are still encouraged to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the world-class displays of this skilled and competitive discipline, with no advanced booking required.
Vanessa McAlpine, of The Kennel Club, said: “The International Agility Festival is always a highlight in The Kennel Club events calendar, and it is great to be returning to the Rutland Showground after last year proved such a success. We are incredibly grateful to the community in Rutland for welcoming us to the area once again.
“We are especially proud to be hosting international competitors at the festival this year from eight countries, including Austria, Italy and Spain, who were unfortunately unable to attend in 2021 due to travel restrictions, as we continue to return to the normality of global events.”
Traffic is expected to be heavy around the venue, in Oakham, on the day before the festival starts as competitors arrive for the event.
There are no plans for temporary road closures or traffic diversions around the event, but drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys.
For spectators, no advance booking is required, though a £5 parking fee will need to be paid, and visiting dogs be signed in. ■■A specially-made video for owners interested in getting started in agility with their dog can be found at: