A family-friendly celebration of dogs, Dorset sausages and local cider will take place at The Springhead pub in Sutton Poyntz on Sunday, August 30.
Now in its 11th year, the Dog, Sausage & Cider Festival will open its doors at 11am. Entry is free for children, while free parking will also be available.
Run by the dog-loving owners of The Springhead, the event has grown year on year since first being launched in 2015.
Visitors will be able to sample food from a barbecue featuring locally flavoured sausages supplied by The Fantastic Sausage Factory, alongside burgers, a hog roast and wood-fired pizzas.
Two bars will serve cocktails, cider and other drinks, with local artisan ciders also on offer.
Live music will run throughout the day, with performances advertised from We Afro Sillah, Brian Donohuey, Vinyl Van, Captain’s Big Band, Hustle and The Leggomen.
Dogs will, however, remain firmly at the heart of the festival. The Springhead Dog Show is due to take place alongside dog races, terrier racing and ferret racing, while BMX stunt shows are also planned.
The programme includes the mighty sausage-throwing contest, with organisers looking to crown the 2026 champion.
Dozens of people took part in last year’s contest in the hope of winning a £50 voucher.
Families can also expect a wide range of activities for younger visitors, including bungee trampolines, a bouncy castle, face painting, glitter, a sweet treat tent, ice creams, slush drinks and pick-and-mix sweets.
Free Punch and Judy shows, magic entertainment, stilt walkers, bubble blowing, balloon modelling and a balloon house will also feature.
Animal attractions are planned at The Ranch, including Shetland ponies, alpaca feeding, snakes, reptiles and more.
More than 50 craft stalls are expected, offering handmade jewellery, dog gifts, dog wax melts, doggie tug toys, handmade presents, local produce, pet portraits and dog treats.
Organisers have asked visitors to consider walking or using public transport to help ease congestion around Sutton Poyntz.
The festival will raise money for Margaret Green Animal Rescue, which cares for and rehomes animals across Dorset and neighbouring counties.
