CANINES are on countdown to a brand new dog festival coming to the New Forest next month.

Dogstival is being hosted by local resident, TV presenter and dog lover Chris Packham on May 18 and 19.

It will take place in the surroundings of Pylewell Park Estate in Lymington.

Thousands of dogs are set to attend the event which will feature more than 180 stands, dog display teams, live music, vintage funfairs, flyball and a K9 aqua splash pool. Four-legged friends will even have access to the park’s own private beach.

The event, which is supporting the RSPCA, also aims to shine a spotlight on behavioural issues that are common in households and there will be a ‘behaviour stage’, featuring a set designed house, garden and giant LED screen with advice from dog behavioural experts.

Dog lovers will be able to enjoy demonstrations and talks from canine experts as part of the RSPCA’S #Dogkind campaign which highlights behavioural issues such as separation anxiety.

It’s claimed that the New Forest is home to one of the highest proportions of dog owners in the UK, with 39 per cent of households owning at least one dog.

Dogstival event director Richard Nowell said: “Of course, diet and exercise are important, but we want to look at the mental wellbeing and care dogs needs from puppy through to adult which dovetails perfectly with the RSPCA’s current #DogKind campaign.”

RSPCA Events Manager Anita Morris said: "We know that the love between owners and their dogs is unconditional and with so many dog-lovers at the event we hope our #DogKind campaign helps owners to make sure their pooch pals are the happiest that they can be.”

Tickets for Dogstival are £13.50 for adults, £7.50 for children aged 6-16 years, under 6s go free and are on sale now at Dogstival.co.uk.