The Kennel Club has announced, with regret, the cancellation of the 2020 International Agility Festival due to take place on August 6 - 9 at Rutland Showground in Oakham.
This decision has been taken in light of the Government’s most recent announcement concerning the ongoing ‘lockdown’ situation during the pandemic and also takes into account the safety and security of competitors, spectators, volunteers and staff at Kennel Club events, which are of paramount importance.
In making this announcement, the Kennel Club wishes to acknowledge the continued support of the Festival’s Sponsor, Skinner’s Field & Trial, whose generosity enables the Kennel Club to stage one of the most prestigious agility events in the world.
Refunds will be issued as soon as possible to those competitors who have entered through First Place Processing.
The Kennel Club looks forward to the International Agility Festival next year from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 August.
Advice on the situation regarding the pandemic is changing daily and the Kennel Club strongly suggests that everyone keeps aware of updates as issued by the Department of Health at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Further announcements regarding how the pandemic is affecting other Kennel Club events will also be posted on the Kennel Club website at as well as on the Kennel Club’s various social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.
Vanessa McAlpine, Events Executive at the Kennel Club, said: “It is such a shame that this year’s International Agility Festival has had to be cancelled. This is a double blow given the inclement weather which blighted the event last year. We know how much everyone was looking forward to it, but the health and welfare of all participants must come first and now we turn our sights to 2021 when we shall surely see a thriving Festival with hundreds of eager competitors keen to put their dogs through their paces.”
William Delamore, Group Commercial Director of Skinner’s Pet Foods, said: “Whilst it is a real shame to cancel the Festival, first and foremost must be the safety, health and wellbeing of society. We fully support the Kennel Club decision. We remain a key partner of the Kennel Club and the wider agility world. We have begun planning our 2021 event season and hope to make it the best ever year. We would like to wish everyone all the best and look forward to seeing you soon.”
All queries regarding the International Agility Festival should be directed to our agility festival team.