The Big Bark dog festival is arriving at Lydiard Park in Swindon on Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May 2026. The two-day event, running from 10am to 4pm each day, is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett, and Purton.
Organised by Miss Ivy Events, the festival is set to feature a variety of activities for dogs and their owners. Attendees can participate in fun dog shows with prizes, navigate agility courses, and watch live training demonstrations from experienced handlers. The site will also host a shopping village with pet-focused stalls, food vendors, and a doggy café.
Tickets for the event include car parking, access to main arena displays, and use of the obstacle course. Optional have-a-go activities will be available using tokens, which are priced at £1.50 each on the day. Organisers note that ticket demand is increasing as the date approaches.
Ian Surtees, Business Development Manager at the 260-acre venue owned and operated by Swindon Borough Council, described the festival as a highlight of the local 2026 events calendar. The park, which provides a historic setting for the event, remains open to the public during the busy spring and summer season, which also includes local events like the upcoming Swindon Balloon Festival.
Jo MacAskie, founder of Miss Ivy Events, said the festival is designed to celebrate the bond between dogs and their owners. The event is part of a broader national trend in pet-focused gatherings, reflecting high rates of dog ownership across the United Kingdom.
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