Brockwell Bark dog show returns to Brockwell Park after 10-year gap this May Bank Holiday 2026

A much-loved local tradition is set to return to Brockwell Park this May Bank Holiday, as the new non-profit community dog show Brockwell Bark launches on Monday 4 May 2026. …

Mar 4, 2026 - 10:02

Brockwell Bark dog show returns to Brockwell Park after 10-year gap this May Bank Holiday 2026

A much-loved local tradition is set to return to Brockwell Park this May Bank Holiday, as the new non-profit community dog show Brockwell Bark launches on Monday 4 May 2026.

Held on the lawn of the recently reopened Brockwell Hall, the event revives the park’s popular dog show, last staged in 2015. Organisers say the aim is simple: bring together dog owners, families and neighbours for a joyful afternoon in the park, and raise funds for Blue Cross Victoria, which provides vital veterinary care across London.

Open to all and free to attend, Brockwell Bark promises classic dog-show fun with a distinctly Brockwell twist. Categories range from Happiest Tail – celebrating turbo-waggers and four-legged helicopters – to Village Veterans, honouring golden oldies aged 10 and over.

There’s Pup Star for the borough’s newest arrivals, Twinning & Winning for dogs who suspiciously resemble their humans, and Best Pawformance, where sausage-catching, frisbee skills or gloriously silly tricks are all welcome.

Fancy dress fans can strut their stuff in Canine Catwalk Capers, while the grand finale – Best in Show-Biz – invites everything from pop icons to superheroes and full muppet mania. Rhythm is optional in the musical round, enthusiasm essential.

Dogs can be entered for £5 per category (concessions available), with proceeds supporting Blue Cross Victoria. Local food and drink will be available on site, and audience participation is actively encouraged.

With the cancellation of the hugely popular Country Show, Brockwell Bark are planning a dog-themed vegetable sculpture competition to keep the spirit of creative chaos alive.

The idea clearly has legs with residents like Victoria on Norwood Road already preparing their own homegrown take on the tradition. “We’ll have vegetable sculptures, birds of prey, flower and veg competitions, an MC and, of course, music,” she said. “I imagine others are doing the same.”

The return of the dog show lands as Lambeth’s role as custodian of Brockwell Park was again called into question at the High Court, and Liberal Democrats continue to push plans for a scaled-down Country Show revival in their alternative budget.

Paul Valentine, Green Party councillor for Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction, told Brixton Buzz: “Brockwell Bark coming back to the park is great news. After the cancellation of the much-loved Lambeth Country Show, it shows just how much local residents value free community events.”

If anyone thought locals would take the cancellation of the Country Show lying down, Brockwell Bark suggests otherwise. With residents taking the lead, it seems Lambeth’s dog lovers aren’t quite ready to sit, stay or roll over.