The fourth Kennel Club International Agility Festival is taking place from 8^th  to 10^th  August and record entries so far are set to make it the world’s biggest ever agility show.

Competitors from three new countries - Poland, Sweden and France – have already signed up to take part in the Festival, which will be held at the East of England showground in Peterborough, and overall figures are expected to outstrip last year’s record of 2000 dogs competing in front of 2,500 people.

Agility is the world’s fastest growing dog sport and up to 24 rings are planned for this year – four times the number at the inaugural show in 2005 – in preparation for the ever increasing number of competitors.

Dogs of all sizes and all abilities can take part and the Festival is the only International show to be open to all Kennel Club registered dogs, whether pure-breed or cross-breed.

Competitions will range from the International Young Handler of the Year and the Kennel Club Starters Cup to the Kennel Club Novice Cup and the Kennel Club British Open, with opportunities to qualify for the agility competition at Crufts 2009.

A new “have a go” ring will give members of the public the chance to get involved and to see why agility is the world’s fastest growing canine sport.

Dave Ray, competition manager, said: “Agility is not only a great chance for the handler and dog to bond through a sport that is fun and rewarding but is the perfect way keep fit too. Absolutely anybody can take part in agility and the appeal of the sport is reflected in the ever-increasing numbers of people, from all over the world, taking part in the International Agility Festival.”

Agility competitors are reminded that the deadline for entry to the Festival, which is sponsored by pet food producer, Arden Grange, is 25^th June 2008.

Forms can be downloaded from the website at www.kcagility.org.uk or contact debbie.deuchar@thekennelclub.org.uk

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