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Dogs are being banned from this year’s Godiva Festival in Coventry it has been revealed.

The ban, which does not include guide dogs, is one of several changes announced for this year’s event .

Other changes include the abolition of the family field and the introduction of a fenced area around the festival site.

Coventry City Council , which organises the annual free music festival in War Memorial Park, said the no-dogs policy was being introduced because of concerns from local vets for dogs’ welfare.

Announcing the news, the city council quoted an unnamed local vet who said: “Parks and music festivals can be over-stimulating for dogs, with so many people and so much noise.

The noise can be painful

“Dogs can be accidentally trampled by people and the noise can be painful for dogs’ ears because it’s so loud.

“Dogs also need lots of water and shade, which can be difficult to provide in an open field.

“Even discarded food on the floor can pose risks, as things like chocolate or onions can make dogs very sick.

“So we’re really pleased Godiva Festival is making this decision and prioritising dog welfare.”

Festival-goers have been told they can still bring dogs to War Memorial Park during the event but that they must remain outside the fenced area where the festival takes place.

poll loading Is it right that dogs are being banned from the 2018 Godiva Festival? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes. It's not good for their welfare and it makes it nicer for the people going

Any other changes this year?

Yes. Other changes planned for the event, which will see performances by a host of stars including Professor Green , Ronan Keating, Gabrielle and Jake Bugg, include a new site layout.

This year the whole site will be a fenced area, including the fairground, with three public entrances to the site from Kenilworth Road, Coat of Arms Bridge Road and along the path next to the park’s visitor centre.

poll loading Which of these events are you looking forward to the most? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Godiva Festival Sean Paul Gatecrasher The Lunar Festival Outdoor cinema Rain UK City of Culture 2021 European City of Sport 2019 The Commonwealth Games Coventry City in League One

Improving access

The council said the changes will help site security and improve access to the festival over the weekend.

In addition there will no longer be a designated Family Field, although the council promised Godiva will continue a “strong family offer” across the whole weekend and the entire festival site.

The family offer will also be available for longer hours across the weekend and be open on the Friday evening.

Councillor Abdul Khan, cabinet member for events at Coventry City Council, said: “We want to be clear that we’re still very much a family festival, offering all of the activities and things to do that parents and children alike love so much.

“However, we want to make sure we’re making best use of the space within the festival site and ensure we’re continuing to make improvements to the festival every year.”

Keeping festival offer fresh

He added: “It’s Godiva Festival’s 20th anniversary, so we want to make sure that we’re not only celebrating the anniversary, but helping keeping the festival offer fresh.

“We know how loved Godiva Festival is and what a big impact it has on the city in terms of economic benefits and community engagement and city profile, especially relevant as we continue to celebrate being UK City of Culture 2021.”

Godiva Festival 2018 takes place from August 31 to September 2.

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