Pampered pooches will be celebrated at events in central London aimed at saying thank you to man’s best friend.
A doggy festival, named ‘The Big Woof’, is being held around International Dog Day at King’s Cross to celebrate your favourite furry friends and their humans.
The event — dubbed a ‘Bank Holiday weekend extravaganza’ by organisers — will see live performances, doggy shows, pooch boutiques, and even an art stall, but it isn’t the only event being held in the capital.
Here is everything we know.
What is International Dog Day?
International Dog Day is an annual event on August 26 to honour all dogs — no matter their shape, size, age, or breed.
Dog lovers are encouraged to make an extra-special fuss of their forever furry friend and those who want to be dog owners are encouraged to look into adoption centres near them to try to give every abandoned pooch a home.
Animal rights charity OIPA say it is a “special day to raise awareness about dog adoption because, if you are looking for a life’s companion, shelters are full of four-legged friends who are waiting for their chance and will bring just happiness to your days”.
This day was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert and animal advocate who chose to celebrate the day on August 26 as it was the date that her family adopted their first dog ‘Sheltie’ from an animal shelter home.
Since the first celebration in 2004, National Dog Day has grown in popularity and is now celebrated across the world as International Dog Day.
What is The Big Woof?
The Big Woof is a two-day event being held on August 26 and 27 at the Canopy Market site at King’s Cross to celebrate the holiday. It will be open from 11am to 6pm across both days.
Organisers say: “King’s Cross will kick the Bank Holiday off with a two-day Canopy Market takeover featuring some of London’s best dog apparel, treats and accessories traders, as well as a whole host of events, workshops, demonstrations and collaborations to get tails wagging.”
What is happening at The Big Woof?
There is no set schedule at the festival as people visiting are able to wander around different stalls and exhibitions in Coal Drops Yard.
But highlights include dog shows with categories including ‘waggiest tail’ and ‘best party trick’, a doggy art exhibition where people can buy dog-related art and even have their pooches painted, dog trick-training sessions from award-winning dogs and their owners, and even a doggy tarot card reader who will give your dog a reading.
There are also 25 dog-friendly restaurants in the space, where owners can enjoy a rest with their most loyal companion.
Chrissy Cullen, place marketing director at King’s Cross, said: “London is increasingly a dog-loving city with ample green spaces and a host of dog-friendly spaces, places, and past-times. King’s Cross is no exception: we welcome dogs with open arms and this year we wanted to give our favourite four-legged animals their own summer festival. We hope this is the first of many Bank Holiday Big Woofs and we can’t wait to see all your furry friends here for their big day out.”
How can I get tickets?
None needed. Those wishing to go along are welcome to do so on the days in August with no tickets required. Doors open daily at 11am across both days.
Are there any other events taking place in London to celebrate International Dog Day?
On Saturday, August 27, Chelsea’s very first dog festivals is being held in support of the Dogs Trust.
The pawsome event will see the streets of Chelsea transformed into a doggy haven with a dog-themed market, a host of doggy entertainment throughout the day, and a host of posh dog brands displaying designer dog goods, from Gucci, Prada, and Ralph Lauren. There will also be dog-friendly cinema screenings, dog brunches, and dog-friendly ice cream. Full details can be found here.
