Crufts

[wizzler]

Bought DD (11) tickets to Crufts for Xmas, and looked at the calendar today to see it is just around the corner.
We are both v excited. Going on10th March ( saturday)...
Have scanned threads from previous years which say to get there early, etc.
Does anyone have an advice as to "must sees"?

Get there early and be prepared to leave around lunchtime and go back in later on. Weekends are always utterly heaving. I’d jut have a wander, get your bearings. Have a good walk around discover dogs and see if you can get into the main arena for fly ball which is always good fun.

Lots of stands to see and have a mooch.

My plan would be in and Early shopping, discover dogs, leave for lunch and back in to see what’s happening at the main arena. Don’t under estimate how busy it will be. Use the left luggage for your coats as it will be warm.
Also remember if you find yourself in Hall one and want, for example to get to hall 4 it can be easier to exit and re-enter the show.

Thanks Daily... when you say you would "Leave for Lunch"... where would you go? ( I m not from the area)

Lots of things in the YKC ring (Young Kennel Club) - Heelwork to Music at 9.40am on Saturday, and the 6-11 YO Junior Handlers at 14.40pm. Discover Dogs is amazing - be prepared to spend ages and want to take all the dogs home... Sometimes the small ring events are great as you can get closer. The breed classes (actual dog show stuff) might not be the most fascinating to watch unless you have a particular interest in the breed. It's my DD(11)'s first year competing, and she's beyond excited!

Anyone going on Friday? We are competing and I'm a bit nervous!!

Only day we're not there, but I'll look out for you on the YouTube channel! When are you on?

No idea. Never even been as a spectator. Hence the nerves! Please don't tell me our potential cock ups will be filmed. Aaargh!!!!

wolfie I am going on the Friday!

The very best of luck to you - will keep a look out for the wolfhounds!

I will be the one crashing out of the ring as she refuses to let the judge touch her. (We have form for that!)
On the plus side I'm hoping to fit in some shopping!

Comfy shoes, layers that's can be easily taken off. Shopping bags, bottles of water or drink/snacks.
Agility and fly ball is good fun to watch. Group judging can be very slow and boring

Wolfie Sure you'll be fine! Don't think they show much of the breed classes on the youtube thing - they don't make the most fascinating viewing! Hope everyone has fun.

Ha. We might be fascinating viewing as we crash out of the ring with much swearing on my part! If it gets too much pup and I will just curl up together and fall asleep. We have form for that!

Totally biased as it's my sport, but you cannot beat a bit of flyball - the atmosphere is electric (some of my mates are competing this year).

I watched Crufts on TV last year. Flyball was my favourite. The joy in the faces of the dogs and the pride in the faces of the owners. Fabulous!!

You don’t have to leave for lunch there are plenty of places to eat within the show but it is busy. I am there Saturday and Sunday but meeting friends for lunch in the airport just for a breather and a large glass of wine!

I'll be following on TV - looking forward to it. The agility competition is my favourite bit.

Comfortable shoes!

Enjoy your day, hope your daughter loves it. We are showing on Thursday, only taking one this year so having an easy time. Going up on Wednesday and staying too, so not even a rush.

Wear comfortable shoes. Arrive early to do your shopping, loads of things to see and buy, look at whatever interests you and your daughter. YKC ring is good to watch different things, also celeb watching (I never see anybody!)

I’m going on Sunday, my daughters flyball team are there so will be watching them hopefully, Agility is my thing so will be watching that, going with my friend who shows so will be watching that as well!

Have a fab time and be prepared to be very tired at the end of the day!

A quick question for those that have been. I am going on the Friday and driving/parking at the NEC. I am due to meet up with someone who will be taking the train to Birmingham International St. I need to meet up with them before entering Crufts as the tickets are in their name.

Any suggestions where we could arrange to meet? I've not been the NEC before so don't know where is best....

As your friend walks from the station to the NEC -it’s all an internal walk way they will come through double doors and down a short escalator and into the NEC. I’d arrange to meet there which is also next to the cloakroom to leave,your jackets. It’s just at the entrance to hall 3.

The walk from the station to the nec is less than 5minutes.

dailystuck71 you genius! We will do exactly that - thanks!!

I did a product Test on IAMS dog food, and we won Tickets to go on Sunday.

My dog is also going to be on the IAMS Video their putting up around the arena

I will look out for the ad!

We are going tomorrow-so excited! Looking forward to Discover Dogs the most and hope to see some flyball but think thats going to be very popular. Been once before 2 years ago and loved it.

One final and very helpful tip, go to the ladies early. Don’t wait until you really need as the queues are usually massive!