A is for ACTION which has defined the past year. Tens of thousands of people have taken action to support hunting and hounds, helping to generate the largest response ever received to a DEFRA consultation. The Future for Hunting Festival of Hounds is an opportunity to come together and build on that support.

B is for the BEAGLES and BASSETS, two much-loved hound breeds that will be judged throughout the day. The beagle dog hounds will be judged by K. Price and Mrs S. Drummond Smith, while the beagle bitch hounds will come before M. Rumney and S. Anderson MH. The judges for the basset hound classes will be Mrs E. Philp and R Spendlove.

C is for COMMUNITY, because hunting has always been about far more than hounds alone. The Festival will again bring together hunt staff, masters, supporters, volunteers, landowners, farmers and families from every corner of the country.

D is for DOG HOUNDS, which are judged separately from the bitch hounds. Across all breeds, the dog hound classes take centre stage during the morning before attention turns to the bitches in the afternoon.

E is for EXCELLENCE, which is what the judges are looking for in every ring. The Festival showcases some of the finest hounds in the country and represents the very highest standards of breeding, husbandry and kennel management.

F is for FUTURE FOR HUNTING, the joint British Hounds Sports Association and Countryside Alliance campaign which has inspired this year's rebranding. The name reflects the determination of the hunting community to protect hunts, hounds, and the livelihoods and communities that depend upon them.

G is for GRANDSTANDS, offering excellent views of the action throughout the day. Whether watching the hound judging or simply catching up with friends, they remain one of the best places to enjoy the Festival.

H is for HARRIERS, whose classes always attract considerable interest. The dog hounds will be judged by C. Frampton and Ms D. Smiley MH, while M. Ramsden and E. Arceneaux MH will judge the bitch hounds.

I is for INVOLVEMENT, whether you are a master, subscriber, farmer, puppy walker, volunteer or first-time visitor, the Festival celebrates everyone who plays a part in supporting hunts and hounds.

J is for JUDGES, who undertake the difficult task of selecting champions from some of the best hounds in the country. Their experience and knowledge help ensure the highest standards are maintained. Judging the dog hounds at the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show are C. M. Wood III MFH in the company of C. M. Shirley-Beavan, while N. D. B. Peel MH and A. P. D. Sallis will judge the bitch hounds.

K is for KENNELS, where years of careful breeding and dedication are represented in every hound that enters the ring. Behind every successful show hound lies the commitment and expertise of hunt staff and a network of volunteers.

L is for LEGACY, because the Festival celebrates generations of hunting history while looking confidently towards the future. Many of today's hounds descend from bloodlines that have been carefully developed over decades.

M is for MOMENTUM, because the Future for Hunting Festival of Hounds takes place at a pivotal moment for hunting. The extraordinary support demonstrated during the government’s trail hunting consultation has created momentum that must now be carried forward as the community continues to make the case for trail hunting.

N is for NEXT GENERATION, whose enthusiasm will help shape the future of hunting. From young handlers and puppy walkers to those attending their first Festival, young people play a vital role in ensuring hunting remains strong for years to come.
O is for OLD ENGLISH FOXHOUNDS, which provide an important link to hunting's heritage. This year's classes will be judged by R. M. Tyacke MH and The Lord Worsley MFH.

P is for PRIDE, which is evident throughout the Festival. Pride in the hounds, pride in the people who care for them and pride in the traditions and communities that they represent.

Q is for QUALITY, something that is immediately apparent wherever you look. From the presentation of the hounds to the professionalism of the hunt staff, the Festival showcases the very best of the hunting world.

R is for RESILIENCE, a quality that the hunting community has demonstrated time and again. Despite the challenges it faces, support for hunting remains strong, passionate and determined.

S is for SCHOOL HOLIDAYS, as this year's later date means many schools will already have broken up for the summer. It provides a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a day out together and introduce young people to the world of hounds.

T is for TRADITION, which remains at the heart of the Festival. For many visitors, attending has become an annual pilgrimage and an important opportunity to reconnect with friends and supporters from across the country.

U is for UNITY, which has been demonstrated so powerfully over the past year. The unprecedented consultation response showed what can be achieved when the hunting community comes together behind a common cause.

V is for VOLUNTEERS, whose hard work behind the scenes helps ensure the Festival runs smoothly. Their contribution is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

W is for Sir Ben WALLACE, chairman of the Future for Hunting campaign, who will be making a not-to-be missed speech before lunch on the day.

X is for X-FACTOR, that special quality possessed by the champions that catch the judges' eyes and earn their place among the winners.

Y is for YOUNG HANDLERS, one of the most popular classes of the day. Judged by Mrs C. M. Wood MFH, the class highlights the enthusiasm, confidence and commitment of the next generation of those who may wish to dedicate their lives to hounds and hunting.

Z is for ZERO DOUBT. Following the record-breaking response to the government's consultation on trail hunting, there can be no doubt about the strength of support that exists for hunting, hounds and the communities that stand behind them.

We look forward to welcoming members, supporters and friends to the Future for Hunting Festival of Hounds and the 138th Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show. Whether you are attending for the first time or continuing a long-standing tradition, we hope you enjoy a memorable day celebrating the very best of hounds and hunting.