18 Aug Autumn Garden Party and Shows Week-end 2025
General Information
Booking is now well under way for events at our Garden Party and multi Show extravaganza over August Bank Holiday week-end at our now regular venue.
See below for details of how you sh0uld book in advance for
- overall camping – however many nights you are staying
- evening event food – ordered to demand so prebooking is essential
- health testing at the Garden Party and Champ Show – some casual places may be available, if you bring the right paperwork, but the only way to ensure a spot is to book in advance
- RKC Bronze Good Citizens Testing – can be well supported and places have to be limited so you need to book in advance. With just a few days to go there are places still available so please book to claim yourself a spot.
- (Obviously) Open Show or Champ Show entries have to be in advance – Postal Show entries close on Friday 25th July
Due to the previously mentioned special circumstances of this year we did not hold the usual Open show during the Spring week-end and consequently the Autumn Week-end will include both our Open shows on Saturday 23rd August and our Championship Show on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August either side of the Garden Party itself on Sunday 24th. The venue is set in a lovely part of the Northamptonshire countryside with scenic views across the rolling fields.
OK, we know it is technically perhaps just a little early in the year to still be referred to as the Autumn week-end but hopefully people will understand what events we are talking about by sticking to our conventional naming and holding a ‘Spring’ event and an ‘Autumn’ event..
All dogs are welcome to attend our event, especially Sunday’s Garden Party, but this year we are welcoming friends from the Great Swiss Mountain Dog Club of GB, who are holding their annual Open show alongside ours on Saturday, and we have also invited the Entlebucher Mountain Dog Club of GB, to give an even bigger Swiss Mountain Dog feel to the week-end, so if you really like your dogs to originate in Switzerland alpine areas and be Black, White and Tan in colour, this is definitely the week-end for you!
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Attending the Events
All persons interested in any of the breeds, or just a day out with dogs, are welcome to attend any of the events, you do not need to own a Bernese, or even a dog, but are welcome to bring any well behaved dog. Bernese can be seen showing, carting, in traditional Swiss, Fancy dress and working cart course modes, and taking part in agility and Obedience but most of these activities are open to any breed and there are friendly competitions to take part in. There is also Bronze Good Citizens available, to all breeds of dog, but this must be booked in advance and is subject to sufficient demand making it a viable option. Anyone can camp or caravan or just visit for the day and there is no entrance fee or parking charge although if attending the RKC licensed shows, (on Saturday and Monday), with an unentered dog there is Spectator dog fee payable at the Secretary’s table. If you are interested in our breed and want to see some Bernese interacting with their families and other dogs and find out more about the breed, the Garden Party Day in particular is a great opportunity to learn.
Visitors are also welcome to camp either side of the event for up to a week but advance booking is essential and details have been mailed to all members and are available here (below). There are toilets and showers on site but electric hook ups are limited. Sockets and chargers will be available in the ‘social hub’ of the event and there is a helpful, friendly and supportive vibe across the camp site.
The site itself is a very large field, the home of the annual Hollowell Steam Fayre and there is another even larger field adjacent for dog walking on the way into the nearest village of Guilsborough. This has a general store and a pub and there are also other pubs and villages in the vicinity. We erect a couple of marquees for shelter and to act together as one big ‘nerve centre’ and this becomes the real hub of all the day and evening activities.
Whilst the title activity of the Garden Party, basically a relaxed fun and working day for dogs, is on Sunday, sandwiched by Open Shows on Saturday and a Champ Show on Bank Holiday Monday, over the years this overall event has become about much more than the actual events themselves. For many it is a relaxed week or so with their dogs, many choosing to contribute some much appreciated help with the set up of the facilities during the build up week and take down of the facilities in the day or two after, as well as enjoying a lovely relaxed week of camping with their dogs and other like minded dog friendly people. The evening events are good sociable occasions and basically excuses to get together which no one takes too seriously, (think that might be an understatement!), but everyone has a good time to set themselves up for the next day.
Please note these are all outdoor events and, like all outdoor events, things are much more relaxed when the sun comes out but there is a great spirit of defiance against adversity when the rain and the wind challenge us and everyone mucks in together to meet the hurdles we face and it has become an accepted, (and almost expected!), part of the fun. There is a covered social and food area and some limited shelter around the ring, but all the events day events will take place in the Open.
In the extremely unlikely event that the weather affects our event, this web site and the club’s Social Media will be updated and should be taken as the reliable source of information. In the case of potential seriously adverse weather please check before travelling, the club can accept no responsibility for wasted journeys. Experience has shown us that this ground drains extremely quickly even following days of torrential rain so do not assume a mud bath will ensue, even in the wettest of build up weeks. At the other end of the scale the large marquees afford good sunshade shelter when it is hot and there is almost always a good breeze coming up the hill onto the show.
Directions
For those needing directions to our venue click here for extended guidance but a basic summary would be to get yourself onto Teeton Road, Northamptonshire between the villages of Guilsborough and Hollowell and look for our signs.
There is so much happening over the extended BH Week-end that we have produced an overall schedule of events which can be found below in simple and expanded versions.
Booking and Information Forms
More details of the Garden Party and the booking forms for camping and food, both of which have to be booked in advance, can be opened here.
Garden Party Flyer – what events are on offer in the packed and busy yet relaxing Sunday extravaganza.
Overall 3 day Timetable of Events (or see below)
Camping Booking Form – you need this to book camping which must be booked in advance
Food Booking Form – if you are attending the Social events on Saturday or Sunday evening you can book your food here, this can only be booked in advance using this form and must be paid for in cash on arrival.
Good Citizens Bronze Award – Held on Sunday as part of the Garden Party event. There is no form but entrants must contact the organiser Debbie Buck by email or by phone Debbie Buck 07720 345464 in advance to book a place. Whilst claiming one of the limited spots on the day may just be possible, IF there are spaces left, in the event of a very poor response we may cancel this activity so if you want it to be a Garden Party option PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE.
The cost is only £5 and our examiner is Liz Noble, up to 10 places available.
First test 10am, ideally check in from 0930, and availability will continue until early Sunday afternoon.
We especially look forward to welcoming Great Swiss and Entlebucher owners to this week-end and they are all welcome to take part in the whole Garden Party experience and the evening events. The Great Swiss Mountain Dog Club are holding their Open Show alongside our Open Shows on the Saturday.
For a flavour of previous events look through the photo galleries available on our club’s viewing platform or click on the events tab near the top of this page to scroll down to reports from previous years.
The Autumn Garden Party will also see the first airing of the 2026 Club calendar, for more information and how to order a copy use this link.
The Shows
More details about the Championship show, including the schedule and entries, can be accessed via this link to Fosse Data
Our main show judge is well known Bernese breeder Tom Kelly of the Belhof affix and our Limited Obedience judge is Betty Keepax. On the subject of Obedience please note there is an error in the schedule regarding the definition of the classes and the correct updated definition of Obedience classes can be accessed here.
The Saturday Open Shows will be held in the morning and afternoon with, the Members Awards held in-between.
Open Show 1 – Sadly, our judge Karen Kennedy has had to withdraw due to ill health so we wish her a speedy recovery, the show will now be judged by Tony Paczowski who some may remember judged the Members awards at last year’s event. More general information including the schedule and entries can be found via this link to Fosse Data
We are very grateful to Tony for stepping up to help.
Open Show 2 will be judged by Breed Specialist Lynn Jones and more information including the schedule and entries can be found via this link to Fosse Data
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UPDATE: The Weather and its consequences???
The weather of recent weeks has had its extreme moments with some very hot days but during this ‘build up to the event’ period Hollowell has mostly been very pleasant with a fresh breeze persisting up the field helping to keep matters acceptable. The forecast is now looking fine and dry but not extreme, close to perfect in fact, so fingers crossed it will be a great week-end. However, if it is very warm on the day there are plenty of sheltered areas and there is always a paddling pool to keep dogs cool, please feel free to take advantage of this and any other cooling opportunities provided. Even if it is warm during the day, remember it can still turn cool at night so bring a jacket for the social evenings.
Don’t let the threat of warm weather put you off attending but please take appropriate precautions and look after your dogs, allowing plenty of shady rest time between activities, always keep plenty of water available and stay aware how hot cars, or indeed caravans and tents, can be.
The ground and grass are very dry so please be sensible with barbecues or any other heat sources.
Campers – please note the dry ground is very hard, so heavy duty tent pegs and a ‘big hammer’ or alternatively the newer ‘screw in type’ pegs will be very useful.
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Show Entries
All entries are now closed and the numbers are confirmed as the following
Championship Show entry is 96 dogs making 109 entries (1 up on last year
Limited Obedience Show entry is 12 dogs making 14 entries (same as last year)
JHA is 1 entry
Open Show 1 entry is 45 dogs making 56 entries (4 down)
Members Awards entry is 16 entries (10 down).
Open Show 2 entry is 51 dogs making 60 entries (same)
Health Testing
As previously announced there will be be health testing offered on Sunday and Monday for the test that includes SH/HS/Histio testing as well as both DM tests that apply to our breed, and alongside that our vet offers Vaccicheck Titre testing for Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus which proved very popular last year, all at great discounted prices.
Booking must be made in advance to ensure we have enough commitment to make it a viable exercise. More information and full details of how to book and pay for one or both of these tests is now available but, just to be clear, whilst the Genetic Check up is purely for Bernese, the Vaccicheck is open to all breeds. Titre testing is becoming more widely accepted by vets and boarding kennels and in many scenarios can now be an alternative to repeated annual vaccinations which many people welcome as justification to not vaccinate every single year whether needed or not. Our sampling is done by Dr Rich Irvine, a Bernese owning and breeding Veterinary Surgeon, and many owners have commented on his gentle and considerate way with their dog. No shaving is done and any dogs taking both tests will only require one blood sample which will then be split.
Additionally on the BHI stand will be chance to discuss any Bernese health issues you want too know more about.
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Rescue and ReHoming
The club’s Rescue CoOrdinators will be available on the Rescue stall to discuss any aspect of Rescue or how you can help a Bernese in need and the Rescue Parade gives a chance to meet some of our Rescued dogs and thank their Rescuers.
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Schedule of Events
To help bring it all together for the uninitiated, this is the overall programme of events for the the three main days, of course many people choose to camp on site or stay nearby for up to a week, and the benefits of the social side of a whole bunch of Bernese fanciers relaxing together and pulling together over several days of preparation and clearing away cannot be overstated!
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First a very basic overview followed by an expanded version
Saturday 23rd August
2X BMD Open Shows
1X Great Swiss Open Show
+ Evening Social Event
Sunday 24th August
The Garden Party incl….
decorated and working carting
fun and novelty events
Obedience and Agility
Rescue stall
Breed Health stall with health testing (also Saturday)
Rescue stall
RKC Good Citizens Bronze
.. and much more+ Evening Social Event
Monday 25th August
BMD Championship Show
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Some Overall Event Points and expanded 3 Day Timetable
Camping on site from Wednesday 20th through to Tuesday 26th August with a number of electric hook ups available. Lots of hotel accommodation in nearby Northampton, Rugby and Daventry if you don’t camp or caravan but wish to attend on multiple days.
Whilst there are pre arranged evening social events on Saturday and Sunday spontaneous informal evenings occur on every night as campers gather in the main marquee. Just ask on site for what is happening that day.
As well as the pre booked evening food on Saturday and Sunday, hot, homemade food will be served for breakfast & lunch on Saturday, Sunday & Monday during the main events.
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Saturday 23 August
Open Shows Day
Main Ring
Starting at 10:00 a.m.
BMDC of GB Open Show 1 (judge Karen Kennedy)
Best In Show followed immediately by
Members Awards (judge Tate Forsey)
followed immediately by
BMDC of GB Open Show 2 (judge Lynn Jones)
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Meanwhile running concurrently in a separate ring with judging starting at 11:00 a.m.
Great Swiss Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain Open Show (judge Eric Russell)
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Parking close to the Show rings. Gazebos & Day Tents permitted in allotted areas by the ring (max 3x3m).
Please note:Bernese show schedules were sent to all members in the Crufts 2025 mailing. Hard copy schedules are available from the Secretary Electronic copies and entries can be made online via Fosse Data by clicking on the above show titles.
Please note the closing date for postal entries to the Bernese shows is 25 July 2025 and online 4 August 2025.
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Saturday Evening
(listen for exact time announcement on the day but usually approx 6:00 p.m.) Evening Social Event with delicious dinner – hot & freshly cooked onsite accompanied by games, mad bingo, silly quiz, courtesy of the Bernese Carting Group but we’ll also probably wing it a bit! (Advance booking is essential for food)
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Sunday 24th August
Garden Party Day
All Day Main Ring starting at 10:00 a.m. (don’t miss the Opening Carting Parade!) Autumn Garden Party
This event is for every Bernese & their owners but all breeds are welcome to join in the fun or just sit round the ring and enjoy watching. A fun, informal event offering the opportunity to take part in lots of activities with your dog/s, meet Bernese and their owners, watch and have a go at carting, agility and obedience with your dog and take part in fun classes, Puppy, Veteran and Rescue parades, beauty classes and games. Also, an opportunity to take the Kennel Club’s Bronze Good Citizen test (must be pre-booked). The best day of the three to learn about our breed with breed talks for beginners and good expertise on hand to answer queries & enjoy a fabulous day out having lots of fun with your dogs.
Sadly, the Character Assessment mentioned in some early information has had to be cancelled.
We have invited the Great Swiss Mountain Dog Club and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog Club, to join us so a chance to meet two of the other three Swiss Mountain breeds.
Entries for all activities, except Good Citizen tests which must be booked in advance, can be made on the day.
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Sunday Evening
(listen for exact time announcement on the day but typically approx 6:00 p.m.) Evening Social Event with delicious dinner – provided by Monty the Pie Man and again accompanied by such things as games, mad bingo, silly quiz, courtesy of the Bernese Carting Group and we’ll also probably wing it a bit more! (Advance booking is essential for food)
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Monday 25 August:
Breed Championship Show with 4 Limited Obedience classes and a Junior Handling Association qualifier.
Our show judge is breed specialist Tom Kelly (Belhof)
Our Obedience judge is Betty Keepax
Judging starts at 10am with the Dog classes. In the lunch break, we will hold the Junior Handling classes and the usual Champions Parade, where Champions recognised in any country will be showcased and receive a memento of their participation.
The Show schedule was sent to all members in the Crufts 2025 mailing. A hard copy schedule is available from the Secretary An electronic copy and entries can be made online via Fosse Data by clicking on the show title above
Please note the closing date for postal entries is 25 July 2025 and online 4 August 2025.
Parking close to the Show rings. Gazebos & Day Tents permitted in allotted areas by the ring (max 3m x 3m).
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Over the course of the 3 days the Club’s Rescue and Rehoming service and Bernese Health Initiative coordinators will be available to answer any queries you might have.
Health testing opportunities will be available on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th – see details on the Club’s website
We will hold a single raffle on each of the 3 days; donations will be most welcome.
We hope to see you there. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Lianne, the overall event organiser or with Show enquiries to Karen, the Show Secretary and Manager Secretary