"Barking mad!": Thousands of dogs enjoy popular Dogstival in Burley

More than 8,000 people are expected to visit the festival, in Burley Park, this weekend to treat their dogs.

Pooches can go for a swim in a pool, take on barkour – a dog’s take on parkour – learn what it’s like to become a firedog and earn many treats along the way.

Co-founder of the sold-out event, Domine Nowell, said: “It’s absolutely brilliant to see so many people out and about with their beloved dogs after what has been a dreadful year.

“We have lots of space for all the dogs on leads, the sun is shining and it’s been a year in the planning, we have an action-packed festival, all about having a go and having a great day out with your dog.

“We have around 4,500 a day coming, we’re capping it at that.

“It’s all about having fun with your dog. We love Dogstival, we created the event because we loved our dog Bella so much and we wanted to have a nice day out with her.

“I think after what’s been a dreadful year, it’s so nice to see people out, enjoying themselves and not worrying about things.

“Dogs have really helped us during lockdown, they’ve kept us fit making us go on walks, they’ve barked during Zoom calls, cuddled us when we’ve felt rubbish so what better way to treat them back?”

Debuting at this year’s festival was award-winning luxury dog bed brand Charley Chau who supersized a bed for pups and their owners.

The bed was bigger than a super king size bed and used more fabric than the average floorspace in a two-bed flat.

Christine Chau, founder, said: “It’s probably the most barking mad project we’ve ever worked on.

“We did it because we wanted to do something fun, visitors could take part in and we could raise money for charity, visitors can donate to Pets As Therapy.

“It’s making people smile, lots of visitors are getting in, it’s just really brilliant.”

Susie Chafer visited Dogstival with her Spanish Podencos, Tecumseh and Tasneem and she described the festival as “brilliant”.

She said: “They’re rescued from Spain, he’s a red Podenco and she’s a wired-haired Podenco.

“He’s called Tecumseh because that is a red Indian chief and she’s called Tasneem because that’s a fountain in paradise and I knew it was going to be paradise having two puppies.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant. He’s had his photograph taken to be made into Napoleon and she’s got a new dog chew and we also got some no-wash shampoo for fox poo which is going to be very good.

“It’s been amazing, I have been so excited about it all week. It’s really, really good and really good value as well and nice to see so many nutty people as well.”