Suffolk Dog Day announced for 2013

The sixth annual Suffolk Dog Day will return to Helmingham Hall on 28 July. More than 7,500 people are expected to visit the show, features of which include classes compered by former Blue Peter presenter Peter Purves; a performance from the Essex Dog Display Team; and a sheep dog display. The anticipated attendance has resulted in the extension of the site’s layout, as chairman Iain Jamie explained: “With the record numbers of people attending we needed to increase the ring size, catering villages and ensure there is plenty of space to move around. We have doubled the catering facilities and located them near both rings, brought in more loos, made the rings bigger so they are more comfortable for the dogs and owners, as well as expanded the sizes of popular areas such as the tea tent and registration office. Visitors should notice the difference in a positive way and find the site all very easy to navigate.” Held for the benefit of the Suffolk Foundation, Suffolk Dog Day’s team of volunteers hope to match last year’s record-breaking total of £60,000 to help community and voluntary groups across the county. Development director of the Suffolk Foundation Judi Newman commented: “The Suffolk Foundation, on behalf of its donors, supports local charities and community groups in the heart of local communities. “These local groups are being squeezed tight financially, and yet they face more demand than ever before from people in need of their help. “We are here to tell those community stories, and to celebrate how local giving can transform local lives, connecting those who care with the causes that matter. We’ll be profiling the work of many of them at Dog Day so please do plan time during all the other activities to meet some of them and discover the difference your support makes. “Our grant-making is fuelled by donations of all sizes, and Suffolk Dog Day makes a huge impact to our ability to support local communities during these very difficult times for the most vulnerable.” To find out more about the event and keep up to date with announcements visit www.suffolkdogday.com