• Dog Fête Website Cover 2025

Tower Dog Fete 2025

Saturday 9th August

10am – 4pm

The Knavesmire, York

Fun Dog Show, Have-a-Go Activities, Hay Bale Racing, Woof Wellbeing Tent, Tailwaggers Dog Display Team, Doggy Marketplace, Breed Meet Up, Street Food & More!

All proceeds go to Street Vet a multi award-winning charity who deliver free essential veterinary care and services to the pets of people experiencing homelessness in multiple locations around the UK.

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Tower Arena

Get ready for non-stop action at the Tower Arena—where fun, excitement, and canine talent take center stage! Take part in hilarious competitions with your dog, including Musical Sits and Dog and Spoon Race! Then, sit back and be wowed by the incredible Tailwaggers Dog Display Team, as they showcase dazzling tricks and synchronized routines that will leave you in awe.

 

10:00 Tailwaggers Team Warm Up!

11:00 Trick Training Workshop with True Pawtential (have-a-go)

12:00 Tailwaggers Dog Display Team Show

12:30 Doggy Musical Chairs (have-a-go)

13:00 Dog, Egg and Spoon Race (have-a-go)

13:30 Trick Training Workshop with True Pawtential (have-a-go)

14:30 Tailwaggers Dog Display Team Show

15:00 Doggy Musical Sits (have-a-go)

15:30 Doggy Square Dancing (have-a-go)

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Fun Dog Show

Come and take part in our Fun Dog show, where every pup is a star! With exciting classes like Most Precious PuppyFabulous Fella, and the hilarious Best Biscuit Catcher, there’s a class where every furry friend can shine. And the best part? Every penny raised goes to Street Vet*, a fantastic charity providing vital veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness.

£4 per category* – open to all dogs.

Come along to the Tower tent to book your spot!

 

11:00 Best Rescue

11:30 Loveliest Lady

12:00 Best Biscuit Catcher

12:30 Golden Oldie (>7yrs)

13:00 Most Joyful Junior (6-12m)

13:30 Best Junior Handler (handler <13y)

14:00 Most Precious Puppy (<6m)

14:30 Fabulous Fella

15:00 Pup & Parent Lookalike

15:30 Trickiest Trick

Each class has a maximum capacity of 20 dogs, please enter early to avoid disappointment.

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Have-a-go Area

Ready, set, go! The Have-a-Go Area is where your dog can unleash their inner athlete and take on exciting challenges.

AGILITY

Try agility, expertly run by True Pawtential, and see your pup weave, jump, and dash through obstacles.

£2 suggested donation to our charity of the year Street Vet.

HAY BALE RACING

Get ready for the ultimate thrill with hay-bale racing, where dogs race against the clock to claim the title of the fastest dog! Come and let your four-legged friend give it a go—it’s all about fun, excitement, and making unforgettable memories!

£4 entry to our hay bale racing competition – all funds raised will go to our charity of the year Street Vet.

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Breed Meet Up

Whether you’re the proud parent of a speedy Sight Hound, a charming Dachshund or a distinguished Schnauzer, our Breed Meet-Up Ring at the dog show is the perfect place to connect. Meet fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips, and let your pup find their new best friend – all in a welcoming and fun atmosphere. Best of all, it’s completely free. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate your breed, make lifelong connections, and enjoy the ultimate doggy social event.

10:45 Huskies & Malamutes

11:00 All Spaniel Breeds

11:15 Giant Breeds

11:30 Herding Breeds

11:45 Heinz 57! (Superstar Crossbreeds)

12:00 Sight Hounds

12:15 Chihuahuas & Pomeranians

13:00 Labradors & Retrievers

13:15 Dachshunds

13:30 Poodles & Poodle Crosses

13:45 All Terrier Breeds

14:00 Pugs & Frenchies

14:15 Shih Tzus & Schnauzers

We’re sorry we aren’t able to cover all dog breeds and hope you will still meet some pals around the park.

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Woof Wellbeing Tent

Step into the Woof Wellbeing Tent, where expert-led talks will help you understand and care for your furry friend like never before! From essential pet health advice to insider grooming tips and tricks, plus insights into your dog’s overall wellbeing, this is the perfect place to learn, engage, and connect. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a first-time pup parent, you’ll leave with valuable knowledge to keep your canine happy and healthy. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your bond and give your dog the best life possible. All talks are free.

11:00 Introduction to Dog First Aid (The Tower Team)

11:30 Teenage Tearaways, living with an Adolescent Dog (True Pawtential)

12:00 Using Enrichment to Improve Your Dog’s Quality of Life (Evolve Canine Behaviour)

12:30 Keeping Your Dog Slim and Healthy (The Tower Team)

13:30 What can Behaviourists Do for Your Dog? (Evolve Canine Behaviour)

14:00 Lets Talk Teeth! Dental Care Tips (The Tower Team)

14:30 Grooming Tips & Tricks (Snooties Groomers)

15:00 What Physiotherapy Can Do for Your Dog (SLC Physio)

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Marketplace

Welcome to the Doggy Marketplace, a true shopping haven for dog lovers! Explore a fantastic selection of treats, enrichment toys, and stylish accessories like leads and collars, all from top-quality dog businesses. Whether you’re looking for delicious snacks or the perfect new toy, there’s something for every pup. Plus, support incredible causes as charities such as the RSPCA and Guide Dogs for the Blind share their vital work. And while you’re browsing, don’t forget to grab a bite—there’s a mouthwatering range of street food options to keep you fueled.

Joining Us Will Be:

The Yorkshire Dog Treat Company
Snuffles Shop
Dougie & Friends
Bramble & Co
Innocent Hound
K9 Kei Kei Bakes
The Yorkshire Dog
Aurora Paws
Sarah Westwood Illustrator
Ralph & Albert
Lau’s Grooming
SLC Physio
Hound & Co
Greyhound Trust
RSPCA
Guide Dogs for the Blind
True Pawtential

 

Street Food & Treats:

Deborah Bakes
Otley Burger Company
JD Bars
Graham’s Ices
The Yorkshire Sweet Box
The Beverley Pizza Co

 

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FAQs

Where is The Knavesmire?

You can find The Knavesmire along Knavesmire Road, just off Tadcaster Road, next to York Racecourse.

Setting your SatNav to YO23 1FA Hamilton Panthers FC will take you close by.

What 3 Words location: ///begun.energy.many

 

Where can I park?

Where possible we’d encourage people to take a stroll over to the Knavesmire as parking is limited.

There is some free parking along Knavesmire Road and in the surrounding area.

Alternatively, you may wish to consider parking at the Nunnery Lane Car Park, which is a 15 minute walk.

A number of local buses also stop nearby and will allow dogs on and York Railway Station is a 23 minute walk. Bike racks are available close to York Racecourse a short distance away.

 

Will there be toilets?

Yes, portaloos (including disabled access) are available on site. We make every effort to keep these as clean and tidy as possible throughout the day.

 

Does my dog need to be on lead?

Yes, please keep your dog on lead within the Dog Fete area for the safety of your pet and others.

 

Will there be water for my dog?

Yes we will provide water bowls, however where possible we recommend you bring your own dog’s water to prevent them from sharing with other dogs. We hope owners with unwell dogs that may be contagious will keep their dogs at home that day, but to avoid any unnecessary risk keeping your dog to their own water will help to prevent them from picking anything up.

 

Do I need to book?

No just turn up and join us! It’s free to come in so pop along anytime.

 

Can I pre book a spot in the Dog Show or any other competitions?

Unfortunately we do not have the facilities to pre book any items for the day, so please just arrive early to avoid disappointment!

 

Do the expert talks cost anything and do these need booking?

No these are all free of charge, please just come along at the right time and join us!

 

Will there be cash and card facilities?

Yes, all the Tower activities will allow both and the majority of shops will offer both – but consider bringing a mix just for back up!

 

Will there be food and drink available?

Yes, we have a range of food and drink options available – see Marketplace for more details. You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic on site.

 

Will there be human and veterinary medical care on site?

Yes, human first aid is available and a vet will be on call throughout the event. If you need assistance please come to the Tower tent immediately.

 

What should I do if my dog’s quite nervous or not okay around other dogs?

We love to meet as many dogs as possible, but this will be a busy event with lots of things that could overwhelm your dog, so please think carefully about whether it’s fair to bring them with you.

The location we’re in however allows a wide space around the outside where dogs can go to decompress and be away from the crowds, so if you’re concerned your dog is finding it too much please do give them a little walk or sit away to allow them to relax a little.