It’s not too early to make plans for special event coming up on July 17, 2019, especially if you’re already in Europe. The historic and prestigious, “Festival of Hunting” is the greatest gathering of hounds in the United Kingdom, one of the few times that hunting people come from all over Britain and Ireland to see the hounds (and each other) before the season starts and everyone gets too busy with their own packs.

The host, Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Society, was founded in 1878 under the Chairmanship of the Marquis of Huntly, and the first show was held under the patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales KG. The importance of the Show was recognized in 1934 when HM King George V gave permission for the name of the Society to become the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Society.

The Festival of Hunting has grown around the Foxhound Show and incorporates The Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles, The Masters of Bloodhounds and Draghounds Association, The Masters of Basset Hounds Association, Working Terriers, Fellhounds, Gazehounds,  and an Equine section that includes the Inter Hunt relay and a variety of showing classes. 

The Festival is important for its tradition, its achievements, and by the continuing excellence of its standards. This year will celebrate the 131st Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show and by all accounts, Peterborough is the annual focus for all that is best in foxhound breeding. The modern English hounds are shown in the covered ring — all the other hound rings are outside — and it is highly competitive.  There will also be judging of Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, terriers,Beagles, Draghound, and a Coursing Dog parade.

Sponsors, such as Lycetts Insurance, see their support as a significant public statement of our commitment to the rural community and the hunting world in particular.