AN AWARD-winning two-day dog festival is back for its fifth year in the New Forest.

Dogstival is a double day out catered for owners and their four-legged friends.

This year, the festival is expected to welcome over 100,000 people with their dogs.

This might even be better than walkies.

Bournemouth Echo:

A spokesperson for the festival said: “Newbies and seasoned Dogstival veterans can enjoy dog sports including flyball, agility, a Scurry Village, as well as Barkour - a giant canine-approved adventure playground.

“Wet noses can be put to their paces with scent work and for dogs who love getting wet, make a beeline for the diving and splash pools.

“Giving a nod to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, Dogstival’s sporting activity will be served with a twist with leader boards and a daily ‘Paw-lympic’ ceremony for each category’s highest achievers.

Bournemouth Echo:

“Hounds and their humans can also expect to be dazzled by various displays taking place in the Naturo Main Arena, such as the ‘Paws for Thought’ display team.

The team busts out the best canine tricks and games, and the all-action Little Nippers & Terriers Racing where dogs are welcomed into the arena for canine chaos chasing the lure.

"Bringing a further Olympic twist to the entertainment will see working dogs from the military, police, search, and rescue battle it out in the ultimate challenge of scent work and agility.”

“Dogstival will also be managing their carbon pawprint, improving on last year’s efforts to recycle 67.5 per cent of the event waste and on-boarding sustainable practices that apply to both of them as event organisers and their various exhibitors and vendors.”

Bournemouth Echo:

A range of refreshments will also be available to both dogs and their owners.

Puppacinos from Pop and Bark and Lickie Mat Café from the Raw Pet Food Pantry will be on hand to cater to all dog's needs.

A helpful canine 'MOT centre' will be offering health advice to keep dogs in perfect condition.

Tickets are priced from £18 for adults, and from £10 for ages six to 16 years old, under fives go free.

Dogstival takes place on June 1 and 2 at Burley Park.