Woof Fest is back bigger and better than ever in St Helens

With the start of the summer holidays the diaries are getting filled with activities to keep the kids entertained – but Woof Fest in St Helens is all about keeping the furry members of the family happy too.

Cue canine capers for The Dog Barn’s second annual show which is set to be bigger and better than ever.

There are fun classes with categories like ‘Perfect Puppy’ and ‘Best Wiggle’, a swimming pool for dogs who can dock dive and swim, a sports day style ring, craft stalls, and more, at the show which is being held at Inglenook Farm in Rainford on Saturday, August 12.

Organiser Ellie O’Boyle says: “We had a great response to the first event last year with people coming from as far away as Manchester and Leeds.

“Thousands of people came – a lot more than even we’d expected – so we’re really excited again this year, and we hope Woof Fest is just going to get bigger and better.”

Woof Fest St Helens - The Guide Liverpool

Ellie adds: “Gone are the days when people kept their dogs at home, nowadays our animals are very much part of the family and when we go out we want to take our dogs with us – you see it in so many bars and restaurants which, in cities like Liverpool, are all dog friendly.

“We want to take them for days out too, and dog owners are very much part of a community which likes to meet up at events like this.”

But Woof Fest isn’t just for people who have got dogs: “This is a great summer day out for all the family; we don’t take ourselves seriously, so it’s just good fun.”

That ‘fun’ starts at 10am at Inglenook Farm in Moss Nook Lane, off the Rainford by-pass.

There will be six rings, three of which will include day-long running haybale races, a cool down area, and a fun area.

Competition classes will be held in two of the other rings with categories including: Pesky Puppy, Fantastic Female, Best Paw Shaker, Marvellous Male, and Unlikely Couple, all leading up to Best in Show.

And Ring three will host Doggy Sports Day with Weaving Heats, Poop Scooper Dash, Doggy Relay, and more.

The Cherry Orchard Tearoom at Inglenook will be open, along with all the shops including Hadley’s Sweet Things and Baked Goods, The Little Green Door Company which makes floral wreaths, and – of course – The Dog Barn.

There will be stalls selling all-things-dog from canine accessories, homemade treats, and even a Puppuccino Bar!

“We will also have a whole host of local small businesses providing food and drink for humans. As a small business ourselves, it’s so important to us that we involve our local community and shop small.”

And Ellie says: “We’ll also have lots of prizes to give away, hidden game challenges, music, and lots of family-friendly activities on offer.

“We’re surrounded by a stunning lavender field on the farm too, which is now in bloom, so there are lots of photo opportunities – and it smells amazing!”

Entry to the event is free with car parking £3 per car, and entry to competition classes £2.50 each, payable on the day.