Woofstock UK – the UK’s only award-winning, two-night/three-day dog-and-family-friendly music festival – is back and bigger than ever, celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024 with a stellar lineup.
Crowd-pleasing tribute acts including Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Elton John and Dolly Parton covers will be taking to the stage at the historic Powderham Castle, Exeter, from the evening of Friday 14 to Sunday 16 June.
Pooches are more than welcome – and will be well-catered for with activities, demonstrations including police and gun dog displays and contests during which your pup can show off their agility, flyball skills and obedience.They can even paint with their owners in the Pawcasso tent, and tuck into dog ice-cream.
But you don’t need to bring a four-legged friend to attend – there’s also a range of workshops on offer for human guests too – including circus skills, climbing wall and archery – and the kids will love Bounce Land! There’s also a shopping village, delicious food, a range of speakers, a puppy area and a dog-friendly beach.
Day tickets start from £11.50 for adults, or pack up your tent, camper or caravan and camp for the weekend, from an extra £60 in addition to ticket prices. Or stay in style inside a five-metre round bell tent with the VIP (Very Important Pooches) glamping experience from £400 including VIP tickets.
Heather and Carol Nesbitt-Bayley, from Wembury, in south Devon, who have two pooches, set up Woofstock in 2014, in honour of Heather’s springer spaniel Harry, who saved her life when she contracted a rare illness in 2012, and was forced to spend 10 days in intensive care. It’s thanks to Harry, who sadly passed away in 2019 that Heather received the medical attention she needed.
Heather, 52, said: “I wanted to make an impact and do something crazy and amazing, meaningful and important to thank Harry. Woofstock will always be Harry’s legacy and a way for us all to celebrate and thank the animals of the world for all they do for us.
“Woofstock is a festival of love. Once you have been once, you’ll be hooked – people come from around the world! Whilst the event is built with dogs in mind, you don’t need a dog to come. The music side of the festival is as equal to other music festivals in the UK.
“There is no other festival like this in the UK. We don’t take everything too seriously. Woofstock is about having fun, meeting others and forging lifelong friendships. There is no reason not to come really just don’t bring your cat!
“Apart from spending time doing fun things with your dog, the best thing about Woofstock is being among like-minded souls. The feel-good factor that comes from being surrounded by dogs and their dog-loving people, in an atmosphere which is totally chilled, is difficult to quantify and we would urge anyone who hasn’t experienced it to keep an eye on the website for details of future dates and venues.”
Woofstock attracts thousands of visitors every year and promotes international animal welfare whilst supporting several animal charities.
WHAT’S ON AT WOOFSTOCK 2024:
There’s something to keep everyone’s feet tapping and tails wagging across the weekend with brilliant tribute acts. There’s even an area for dogs to enjoy the music away from the stage to protect their sensitive ears.
Line up: Friday (from 5pm): Joanna Cooke, Dua Lipa, Young Elton, Avril Lavinge and headliners, I Love Amp featuring Kat Savage. Saturday (from 5pm): Superstition, Definitely Dolly, Adam Parker Brown as Tom Jones, Pure Paloma and headliner, Katy Ellis as Taylor Swift. Sunday: RSVP Bhangra – the UK’s no.1 festival bhangra band, Joanna Cooke plus band and headliner Fleetwood Shack.
Activities: Learn impressive tricks at circus school, tackle the climbing wall or show off your precision skills at archery. Kids will love burning off some energy in Bounce Land!
Shopping: Treat your furry companion to the latest in doggy fashion, accessories, toys, and treats – including doggie ice-cream or treat yourself at the diverse array of vendors and exhibitors.
Food and drink: Indulge in a variety of scrumptious treats at the food stalls and trucks offering everything from gourmet snacks to refreshing beverages (including alcoholic drinks).
Expert advice: Expert-led workshops and demonstrations covering topics such as training tips, nutrition advice, and pet care essentials. There’s the Best In Show (open to all) on the Saturday and on Sunday enter your pooch into the fastest garden digging competition or tackle some hay bale racing!
To book tickets or for more information, visit: www.woofstockuk.co.uk/tickets
