Dog agility festival to make debut in county
PETS OF ALL AGES, SIZES AND ABILITIES WILL COMPETE IN 200 CLASSES
THE Kennel Club International Agility Festival will take place next weekend for the first time in Rutland.
The 16th annual event runs from August 12 to 15 at Rutland Showground, Oakham.
Dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds will take part in more than 200 separate classes, spread around 18 rings.
Organisers said the festival will be a closed event, open to those who have booked in advance and watched over by 24-hour security.
Vanessa McAlpine, events executive at The Kennel Club, said: “The Kennel Club is looking forward to finally welcoming back canine competitors to compete in this year’s International Agility Festival, and we are honoured to be able to host it this year from Rutland Showground.
“This is such a prestigious location to be able to hold such an anticipated event.
“We know so many dog owners have really missed having their annual opportunity to display the hard work they’ve dedicated to agility so we are so grateful to the wonderful Rutland community for welcoming us to the area so that this can once again take place.”
David Wood, chairman of Rutland Agricultural Society, said: “The arrival of visitors to the county will offer a welcome boost for businesses in and around Oakham and is another great way to put Rutland on the map for people who don’t already know about our wonderful county.
“We have worked diligently with the Kennel Club and agencies to ensure that these closed events cause the minimum of disruption to our neighbours around the showground.”
Rutland Agricultural Society and The Kennel Club are working closely with Rutland County Council to implement detailed event plans.
Penny Sharp, director for places at Rutland County Council, said: “This is a prestigious event and a great chance to showcase Rutland to an international audience.
“The county already has a proud history of hosting world-renowned events, such as the hugely popular Birdfair.
“The International Agility Festival won’t be on quite the same scale, because it is strictly for competitors with no public attendance, and will be much smaller than our own Rutland County Show, held each year.
“Nevertheless, we are working with all parties involved in the planning and running of these events to ensure everything goes smoothly.”
She said peak traffic times around the International Agility Festival are expected to be on Wednesday as competitors arrive.
There are no plans for temporary road closures or traffic diversions around the event.
However, drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys as roads will be busier at peak times.