DogFest has announced a host of fantastic new features for its 2019 festivals.

National treasure Clare Balding will star by recounting anecdotes from her life, and those of her four-legged friends, to the DogFest crowds.

In addition Professor Noel Fitzpatrick is to talk about how much animals matter to us and what inspired him to become a vet.

Fans will have the chance to meet both special guests, as both Noel and Clare will be signing copies of their new books at the festival.

Journalist and food critic Kate Spicer will talk about her Sunday Times bestseller Dog Lost. She’ll relive the desperate search for her lurcher Wolfy and how she explored the dark underbelly of London to find him.

Lucy Heath, whom the country took to their hearts on Britain’s Got Talent with her little furry star Trip Hazard, will showcase her inimitable training techniques. No fewer than five of her dogs will perform astounding dog dancing, plus theatrical and obedience training routines.

But at DogFest everyone can get involved – and the public can test their own training skills too, with their dog, in a timed, have-a-go Obedience Challenge.

Former policeman Colin Butcher and his spaniel Molly (The Pet Detectives) will demonstrate their uncanny sleuthing skills in finding lost cats across the UK, which have even led them to unearth a treasure trove of jewels!

There’ll also be eye-catching breed meet-ups as large numbers of Dachshunds, Boxers, Staffies, Cockapoos, Labradors, French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels and Border Collies gather together with their doppelgangers – and owners swap notes.

Canicross is the new fitness craze that’s taking over the UK (that’s off-road running, with your dog, in a special harness and linked by a bungee cord). Visitors can watch displays and try out the sport themselves, with their canine pals.

Puppy Zone is brand new this year: adorable little ones can get used to different environments and build their confidence through special experiences and games, all under the expert guidance of the doyenne of puppy trainers, Gwen Bailey.

Another new feature for 2019 is the hilarious celebrity look-a-likey competition; dogs that resemble well-known humans will battle it out in the Hound Hangout to see who takes the crown for best lookalike!

DogFest is super-family friendly and, as with all the best festivals, has great music all around, mouth-watering food and drink – and shopping galore, for people and dogs.

Further information on all shows can be found at: www.dog-fest.co.uk.