A major celebration of Staffordshire Bull Terriers is taking place at Weston Park on Saturday 18 July. The Big Staffy Stroll is the final event of the Staffy Trail, a visitor initiative that has attracted thousands of people to explore the county over recent months.
The event begins at 9am with a guided 2.5km walk through Weston Park's Capability Brown landscape. The walk will be led by Sergeant Watchman VI and Sergeant Watchman VII, alongside their handler Warrant Officer Greg Hedges.
What to expect on the day
Visitors can take part in an exclusive mini Staffy Trail around the estate, unlocking a final set of rewards and discounts through the Staffy Trail app. Throughout the day, refreshments will be available, and there will be opportunities to learn more about Staffordshire's visitor attractions.
Volunteers from the Senior Staffy Club will be at the event, raising funds and awareness for their work supporting older Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
The event is open to everyone, whether they own a dog or not. Organisers are hoping for a record number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers to take part in the group walk.
Background: the Staffy Trail
The Staffy Trail was launched to mark the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day. It has been delivered by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and Making Trails.
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."
Andrea Webster, Head of Marketing at Weston Park and LVEP Board Member, added: "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."
Planning your visit
With warm weather forecast, organisers are encouraging attendees to bring plenty of water for themselves and their dogs, wear sun protection, and dress appropriately for the conditions. Dog owners are asked to prioritise their pet's welfare.