There's still time to book your place at what is expected to be the region's biggest-ever Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog walk as the hugely popular Staffy Trail reaches its grand finale.
The Big Staffy Stroll will take place at Weston Park on Saturday 18 July, bringing together dog lovers and visitors from across the region to celebrate the county's Staffordshire Bull Terrier visitor mascot, Staffy.
The event marks the finale of the Staffy Trail, delivered by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and Making Trails.
The day begins at 9am with a guided 2.5km walk through Weston Park's picturesque Capability Brown landscape, led by two of Staffordshire's most famous four-legged residents – Sergeant Watchman VI and Sergeant Watchman VII – alongside their handler, Warrant Officer Greg Hedges.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy an exclusive mini Staffy Trail around the estate, unlocking one final set of rewards and discounts through the Staffy Trail app, while discovering some of Weston Park's hidden gems.
Throughout the day there will be refreshments, opportunities to find out more about Staffordshire's visitor attractions, and the chance to meet volunteers from the Senior Staffy Club, who will be raising funds and awareness for their work supporting older Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Organisers are encouraging everyone to come along, whether they own a dog or not, although they're hoping to see a record number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers taking part in the group walk.
Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said:
"The response to the Staffy Trail has been fantastic, and the Big Staffy Stroll is the perfect way to celebrate everything it has achieved.
"Staffy has become an incredible ambassador for Staffordshire, inspiring thousands of people to explore our towns, attractions and businesses. The trail may be coming to an end, but Staffy's story is only just beginning.
"We'd love to see as many people and their dogs as possible join us on Saturday."
Andrea Webster, Head of Marketing at Weston Park and LVEP Board Member, said:
"We're delighted to be hosting the Big Staffy Stroll at Weston Park and can't wait to welcome visitors from across Staffordshire and beyond.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy our beautiful parkland, celebrate the success of the Staffy Trail and bring people together for what promises to be a memorable finale."
The Staffy Trail was launched to mark the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day. It has attracted thousands of people to explore the county, discover new places and support local businesses.
With warm weather forecast, organisers are encouraging everyone attending to bring plenty of water for themselves and their dogs, wear sun protection and dress appropriately for the conditions. Dog owners are asked to put their pet's welfare first, and only bring them if conditions are suitable.
To help keep everyone comfortable, the start time has been brought forward from 10am to 9am, when temperatures are expected to be lower. Gates will open at 8am and all ticket holders have been notified.
The event team will continue to monitor the weather forecast ahead of Saturday and has plans in place to ensure the event can take place safely and comfortably.
Admission to Weston Park for Big Staffy Stroll ticket holders is £6.50 per person, with children under four and Weston Park members going free. Tickets include entry to the event, access to the Woodland Adventure Playground and Weston Park's 1,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland.
Tickets can be booked at The Big Staffy Stroll! - Weston Park.
