Paws at The Lexicon

PAWS AT THE LEXICON

Expect wagging tails and plenty of fun as Paws at The Lexicon comes to the town centre this May half-term, running from Friday 22 May to Monday 1 June 2026, with funds being raised throughout in support of Guide Dogs, a locally based charity.  The Lexicon will be transformed into a celebration of all things canine, with free activities and interactive experiences for all ages. While some activities feature real dogs, others are dog-themed with no dogs present, ensuring something for everyone.

Dog owners can take on a Dog Agility Course in Union Square, opposite Boots, from Tuesday, 26 to Friday, 29 May, with participating dogs rewarded with treats and rosettes. Friday, 29 May will be a soft toy-only session for younger children wishing to take part.  On Saturday 30 May, Princess Square will host a much-loved character meet-and-greet, giving children the chance to see Bluey up close at regular intervals throughout the day.

Across the week, there is plenty more to enjoy:

• Tuesday, 26 May: A dog caricature artist creating personalised keepsakes in Union Square, opposite Boots
• Wednesday, 27 May: Craft sessions and storytelling in Princess Square
• Thursday, 28 and Friday, 29 May (The Avenue) and Saturday, 30 May (Princess Square): Face painting
• Saturday, 30 May: Meet Guide Dogs volunteers and their amazing four‑legged friends in Princess Square

All event activities will be free and will take place between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm.

Visitors can also take part in the Snap, Tag & Share competition by posting photos of their dogs during their visit and tagging The Lexicon and MIL Pet Photography for the chance to win a Dog Photography Experience and wall art worth £200.

A free trail will run across The Lexicon, inviting families to spot pups in shop windows, complete the trail leaflet and post it into designated boxes for the chance to win prizes. The Lexicon Express will be out and about, as usual, with a special limited-edition sticker to celebrate the event.

Sue Boor, Head of Marketing at The Lexicon said:
“As a dog-friendly town centre, with well-behaved dogs welcome in over 70 of our stores, we’re delighted to introduce Paws at The Lexicon for the first time this May half-term. It’s exciting to trial a new type of event for us, bringing together families and dog lovers for a fun-filled half-term.”

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