Popular dog activity weekend ‘The Big Bark’ is returning to Trentham Estate this month, offering a fun day out for furry friends and the whole family.

Back on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May, the weekend will be filled with entertainment for  guests of all ages to enjoy and on Sunday 21 May Trentham will host the qualifying heat of ‘Scrufts’, ahead of the upcoming Crufts final.

Taking place from 10am-4pm, the jam-packed weekend will feature a range of ‘pawtastic’ activities, including canine Olympics, agility challenges, a dog talent show, a trick training ring, and a performance from dog trainer Lucy Heath from Britain’s got talent.

The qualifying heat for ‘Scrufts’ will also take place on Sunday 21 May. Open to all crossbreed dogs to enter on the day, the competition will have four classes at Trentham: Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, Golden Oldie and Good Citizen Dog Scheme Class. Hoping to fill 120 entries, any cross bread set of paws can partake in the heat. Entry is £2 and award rosettes and goodie bags will be given to those placed first, second and third in each class, with the winners of each group going on to compete nationally at Crufts.

Trentham is also offering the winners of the ‘Golden Oldie’ and ‘Good Citizen’ awards, a Dog Membership at Trentham, which includes access to the gardens for a dog and their owner for a year. Worth £71, Trentham’s Dog Membership provides dogs and their owners access to lakeside and garden walks all year round. Members receive a doggy bag including a membership card with their ‘pawsport’ ID photo and Purple ‘T’ collar tag.

Timings of the Scrufts qualifying heat are below:

• Registration from 10:30/11am
• Most handsome dog - 12pm
• Prettiest Bitch -12:30pm
• Golden Oldie - 13:00pm
• Good Citizen Dog Scheme - 13:30pm

The weekend will also offer dogs and their owners a chance to socialise, learn new activities and discover local products and services.  There will be an array of dog-centric small businesses on site where visitors can treat their dogs to items such as a new collar and lead, bed, healthy treats and more! There will also be a doggy photobooth on site to capture unmissable memories.

Tog 24, an outdoor clothing store with an extensive dog range at Trentham Shopping Village, will also be offering 10% discount to anyone who brings their dog in-store over the Big Bark weekend, excluding promotional and final clearance lines, and a free dog toy with every dog jacket purchased.

Barks and Co, the newest dog accessory store at Trentham Shopping Village, is sponsoring the ‘Best in Show’ class with a £20 voucher for 1st prize, £15 for 2nd prize and £10 for 3rd prize plus gift bags. Barks and Co are also offering anyone who visits the store over the weekend and says ‘bangers’ a free packet of sausages for their pooch.

Jo Macaskie, Managing Director of Canine Events Ltd who run The Big Bark event, comments: “We are delighted to be returning to Trentham Gardens. This year promises to be bigger and better with the exciting addition of a Scrufts heat on Sunday!”

Entry to The Big Bark costs £14.50 for adults, £12 for seniors and £9.50 for children under 16, under 5’s go free. Disabled visitor and companion is £12, family tickets (2 adults & 2 children) can be purchased for £40 and Trentham Members receive 50% off tickets.

Tickets can be purchased at trentham.co.uk/events/the-big-bark.