The world's largest international dog agility festival is returning to Rutland Showground this weekend, starting tomorrow.

From Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 August 2023, The Kennel Club International Agility Festival will take place at Rutland Showground.

The Kennel Club is the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare and training. Its objective is to ensure that dogs live healthy, happy lives with responsible owners.

Supported by Skinner's, the organisation's upcoming event will see thousands of dogs and owners from the UK and abroad competing across four days at Rutland Showground. 

The Kennel Club invited dogs of any size, shape and breed to enter the range of agility classes earlier in the year, and now nearly 3,000 handlers and their dogs, from 12 countries, will put their best paw forward at the renowned agility competition.

The festival will see competitions across four size categories, 18 rings and 200 classes, and give competitors and their dogs from all over the world, both novice and professional, a chance to compete. 

Whilst entries for competing in the 2023 International Agility Festival have now closed, spectators, and their dogs, are still encouraged to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the world-class displays of this skilled and competitive discipline for free, with no advanced booking required. 

Last year's event at Rutland Showground saw high temperatures, but organisers were praised for ensuring high safety standards. Image credit: Nub News.

Catherine Guiver, Head of Events at The Kennel Club said: "The International Agility Festival is a real highlight in the events calendar that brings together those new to agility and those who have been competing for years! There is always a buzzing atmosphere both in and out of the competition rings as the agility community reunites to cheer each other on. 

"We are grateful to Rutland Showground and the local residents for welcoming everyone back to the area again." 

Peak traffic times around the International Agility Festival are expected to be today, Wednesday 9 August, as competitors arrive for the event. There are no plans for temporary road closures or traffic diversions around the event, however, drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys as roads around the Showground will be busier at these peak times, particularly the A606 to the north of Oakham. 

This warning comes after traffic arriving at The Global Birdfair, which took place from 14 - 16 July, caused frustration for local drivers.

More information about The Kennel Club International Agility Festival can be found online, where interested dog owners can also find information about getting into dog agility.

Alternatively, follow the team on The Kennel Club's Facebook page, where they regularly share updates, news and more.

For spectators interested in attending, no advance booking is required, though a £5 parking fee will need to be paid on arrival, and visiting dogs will need to be signed in on the day. 

The Kennel Club are working with owners to ensure the safety of dogs at Rutland's annual agility event. Image credit: The Kennel Club.

Head to the Oakham Nub News What's On page for more information about upcoming events going on in and around Rutland.