The Countryside Alliance is thrilled to continue its support as a key sponsor of the Festival of Hounds, which returns to the East of England Showground in Peterborough on Wednesday 16 July 2025. This year marks a special milestone as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the event, which also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Hunting Act coming into force, demonstrating the resilience of the hunting community when faced with adversity.
An audience of thousands is expected to gather for this highlight of the summer hunting calendar, which will feature the 137th Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show. The finest foxhounds from across the country will be expertly shown, with each pack hoping to claim the prestigious championship doghound or bitch hound titles. Hunts will be vying to follow in the footsteps of the VWH which claimed the doghound championship last year with Soldier, while Bicester with Whaddon Chase Grandma took the bitch hound title.
In addition to the modern and Old English foxhound classes, championships will also be contested by beagles, harriers, and basset hounds, making this one of the largest shows of working scent hounds anywhere in the world. Details of the judges can be found below.
Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: “We are delighted to continue as a key sponsor of the Festival of Hounds and the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, longstanding events that we have supported for many years. The 20th anniversary of the Hunting Act serves as an important reminder of our commitment to protecting lawful hunting activities, and we look forward to welcoming our members and supporters to this year’s event.”
Teams will line up to compete for the title of inter-hunt team relay champions in both the junior and senior competitions, which are always fiercely contested. With two opposing teams racing against the clock over a mirror image set of fences in a knockout competition, hunts from across the country will be battling for the top prize.
Another much-loved competition takes place in the foxhound lorry car park, where the annual Hunt Picnic Competition is held. Regular Festival attendees will be hoping to catch the judges' eye and win the coveted Stirrup Cup case of port.
With a wide array of trade stands, displays, refreshments, and a bar, the Festival of Hounds is one of the must-attend events of the summer before autumn hunting begins again.
Advanced tickets, priced at £25 (children under 12 are free if accompanied by an adult), will be available to purchase at Easter.
Please note: Countryside Alliance Gold Members are entitled to a free ticket to the Festival of Hounds and will be invited to apply for their ticket for this year’s event in due course.
2025 Judges
Foxhounds:
Doghounds - W Bryer and T Lyle MFH
Bitch hounds - C M F Scott and M Gibson-Fleming MFH
Old English (doghounds and bitch hounds):
The Marquis of Waterford MFH and J Barnfield
Beagles:
Doghounds - J Fretwell and N Hargreaves
Bitch hounds - R Tyacke MH and J Trevor
Harriers:
Doghounds - Mrs W Chanter MFH. and A Thomas
Bitch hounds - N Bannister and Miss E Simpson MH
The judges for the basset hound classes will be confirmed shortly.