DogFest on the Beach

East Brighton Park is set to host DogFest on the Beach during the weekend of 6 and 7 June 2026. This event is being introduced as the first beachfront dog festival of its kind, aiming to combine the typical summer festival atmosphere with a focus on dogs and their owners. The hosting duties are split between TV and radio personality Rylan Clark, local Brighton drag queens, and radio presenter Dan Draper. The programme begins with an opening event called 'Sunrise Beach Beats', followed by various beach games hosted by Dan throughout the day. It is designed as a space where the local community can bring their pets to participate in a range of activities tailored to different energy levels and interests.

The schedule includes a variety of interactive and physical sessions spread across the park. For those interested in training, there are live 'Tricks on the Beach' sessions, while the 'Agria Fun Dog Show' and breed-specific meet-ups provide spaces for different types of interaction. On the more active side, the site will feature a 'Dogstacle Course', 'Hay Bale Hurdles', and the 'DogFest Dash' for dogs that enjoy a bit of a challenge. Other areas include a giant ball pit, the 'Agria Beach Club', and the 'Wag & Werk' stage, which functions as a hybrid of a catwalk, cabaret, and dance floor. These areas are intended to provide entertainment that reflects the local culture of Brighton while keeping the focus on the animals.

Regarding the practical side of the event, general admission tickets start at £29.50 per person. This price includes entry to the festival grounds, participation in the scheduled activities, and access to official commemorative photographs. There is also an optional 'DogFest Plus' upgrade available for an additional £35. This specific ticket tier adds a Q&A session with Rylan Clark, fast-track entry, and access to the 'Plus Paddock', an area with covered seating, private toilets, and a dedicated bar. The upgrade also includes a premium goody bag for dogs—containing a bandana, dog-friendly ice cream, and a toy—along with a drink for the owner. This setup allows visitors to choose between a standard day out or a version with more amenities and specific access to the main host.