The paws are back in town!

Teaming up with leading canine events company, Pop + Bark, this is the largest outdoor dog celebration of its kind, and the perfect place for puppy play to get those tails wagging. Situated in the heart of the Essex countryside just 45 minutes from central London, the festival welcomes four-legged friends, children and adults alike with a whole host of activities to guarantee a paw-some time all round! Specific time slots are in place throughout the day depending on which breed of dog is attending:

Golden Retrievers: 11am – 1pm
Labradors: 1:15pm – 3:15pm
Cockapoo & Cavapoo: 3:30pm – 5:30pm

Set within 110-acres of beautiful gardens and grounds of the hotel, grab a bite to eat at one of the three food stations, including BBQ smashed beef patties, a mighty seafood or chicken Spanish paella or authentic Italian stone-baked pizzas, curated by the hotel's Executive Chef Robert Pearce. Goldies can feast on bespoke pup snacks from Rudi's The Doggy Bakery with treats including all-natural, pupcakes, doughnuts and cookies, and sip on delights from the world's only Pupuccino Bar, fully stocked with fresh fruits, peanut butter sprinkles, dog-friendly choccy drops and jazzies.

Dogs will be free to explore the picturesque grounds and new woodland trail, as well as having plenty of fun with fellow fur babies in the dedicated play zone filled with toys, a ball launcher and splash pool, bubble party and other games. There will also be face painting, treasure hunts and an ice cream cart to keep the children entertained. Shop and browse the boutique handpicked stalls and visit the artist in situ creating a live masterpiece. All guests will be in the mix to win the finished piece.

Strike a pose for the puparazzi, who will capture all those golden moments, and take some time out on the hotel's impressive terrace, whilst sipping on creative cocktails from the horsebox bar or find a comfy patch on the picture-perfect manicured lawns.

What's more, you can try out the Tesla electric vehicle and discover the innovative 'Dog Mode' designed to keep your dog safe and comfortable in the car. You'll also have the chance to enter to win a Tesla lease, a dog-friendly stay at Down Hall Hotel and £100 worth of shopping vouchers.

The event welcomes breeds including – Golden Retriever, Labrador, Cockapoo and Cavapoo at allocated time slots, only these breeds will be permitted to enter the festival. Dog lovers attending without their own furry friend are welcome too. Tickets start from £16.75 for adults and £9.75 for children aged 16 or under – food and drink will be charged separately. £2 from every booking will be donated to Guide Dogs, a wonderful UK charity that supports people living with vision impairment.

Free parking is available to all guests and those wishing to make a woof-y weekend of it can stay overnight and book a newly refurbished dog-friendly room directly with the hotel, with discounted rates starting from £200 Bed & Breakfast (based on two people sharing, dogs stay free). Just mention your Pop & Bark tickets on the phone or book a room online using the promotional code DH01.

Tails will certainly be wagging for this paw-tastic event. Tickets are available to purchase now, here https://www.downhall.co.uk/upcoming-events/doggy-cafe