Bark in the Park 2026 brought tails wagging and spirits lifting once again at Stewart Park.

May 15 2026

We were thrilled to welcome so many people, families, and their four-legged friends for another fantastic year of our much-loved event in support of mental health across Teesside.

From fun dog show classes and training demonstrations to have-a-go activities, stalls, and community information stands, the day was filled with energy, laughter, and plenty of paws. A huge thank you goes to everyone who took part, attended, volunteered, or supported the event in any way - your involvement helps make a real difference.

Events like Bark in the Park are more than just a great day out, they play a vital role in helping us raise awareness of mental health and generate funds that enable us to continue delivering essential support services across our communities.

We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support that makes events like this possible, and we’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.

Community Support Creating Real Impact

The event was generously supported by a range of local sponsors and businesses. Sponsorship came from Five Rivers Fostering, with additional backing from Thirteen and Awesome Pawz. Our amazing event partners included Eemits Communications, Jewson, Nixon Hire, Harrison Family Vets and Durham Rosettes.

We also partnered with Dakota’s Choice – Animal Behaviour & Training, whose team delivered engaging demonstrations and dog ‘have-a-go’ activities, as well as offering free expert advice to attendees throughout the day. Alongside this, Wag Wear GB Ltd hosted the popular scurry activity, adding to the fun and excitement on the day.

We’re incredibly grateful for Dakota’s Choice continued support of Bark in the Park and the positive difference they help make to the event each year.

Special thanks also go to Stewart Park and Middlesbrough Council for providing the scenic venue for the event, as well as to our fantastic volunteers whose support behind the scenes helped the day run so smoothly.

Class sponsors included Canine Hydrotherapy Teesside, Choco-Latte Norton, Grange Veterinary Surgery, Animal Trust Vets Teesside, AV Dawson Group, Oaklands Veterinary Centre, Chaplynn’s Country Store & The Jones Family, Wear Referrals, Batley’s (Cleveland) Bestway Wholesale, Waggology North East, Wags and Woofs Pet Shop, Hobo Coffee House, Thingy-Ma-Jigs, Smiles Nurseries Billingham & Norton, and The Raw Plaice.

A Celebration of Local Stallholders

The park was filled with a fantastic selection of stalls from local and regional businesses, creating a lively marketplace for visitors and their four-legged friends to enjoy. Popular traders included Hattons Hungry Hounds, D&Ds Natural Dog Treats, Created by Ridleys, Ralphie Roos Accessories, Handmade by Charlie, SitFido – Portraits for Pets, Wag Wear GB Ltd, CutewotKnots, Bites Baking Co, Up Close and Personalised, PeachyKeen Craftybean, Claire’s Sparkling Touches, Melrose Paper & Co, Tropic Skincare, Doh Whitby, Coffee Bean Machine, Alamino’s, Awesome Pawz, Dakota’s Choice, Harrison Family Vets, Creative Friends of Teesside Mind, RSPB, Five Rivers Childcare, Pure Nougat, Cleveland Beekeepers Association and Face by Nicole.

From handmade accessories and personalised gifts to sweet treats, coffee, local honey and natural products for pets, the stalls brought a fantastic atmosphere to the event and showcased the creativity and talent of local independent businesses from across the region.

What’s Next for Bark in the Park

Following another successful year, plans are already underway for the next Bark in the Park, and we look forward to bringing the community together again in 2027. Each year, the event continues to shine a light on the positive impact that connection, community, and our pets can have on mental wellbeing.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s event such a success and can’t wait to welcome even more people and their dogs in the future.

To keep up to date with future events and ways to support Teesside Mind, follow us on social media or visit www.teessidemind.org.uk.