For the first time in its 800-year history, Kingston's Ancient Market Place is set to host an exciting pop-up market dedicated entirely to dogs (and their owners).

Kingston's first Dog Day, which takes place on Saturday, 8 July in Kingston's Ancient Market Place from 10am, will bring together a range of independent pet businesses in the town centre and will see a number of local businesses offer dog-themed promotions and attractions.

The event is part of a packed programme of weekend special markets and events taking place there throughout the summer. 

Visitors to Dog Day will have a chance to peruse and purchase an array of novel treats, toys, accessories, and experiences for their four-legged friends.

Plus, as part of the event, local businesses have crafted unique experiences to guarantee a paw-fect day out for all visitors.

This includes Ole & Steen Danish bakery, in Church Street, which will delight dog owners with its famous cinnamon social slices and complimentary coffee vouchers for visitors accompanied by their canine companions.

Meanwhile, The Bishop on the Riverside and Bentalls Centre are offering exceptional opportunities to immortalise pets through art or photography, respectively. 

Additionally, visitors can spoil their prized pets further by heading to Bill's, which will be serving up its exclusive 'Doggo Menu' - tantalising treats especially for dogs.

There will also be goodie bags for patrons and their pets at Megan's restaurant. And for the more adventurous, GoBoat is offering a special 15% discount on all pre-booked trips for this date. 

This paw-some event is the brainchild of local social media influencer Gaynor Jackson who, along with her dogs, Archie and Nacho, are behind the popular Four Legged Foodies blog, social club and events - all geared towards people who want to dine out with their dogs.

Gaynor, who has lived in Kingston for seven years, has previously run hugely successful canine-centric markets in Kings Cross and Chelsea, but this will be her first big event outside of central London. 

Gaynor says: "I want to use this as an opportunity to show that Kingston is a very dog-friendly place to live. It's has many great dog walking opportunities but also lots of dog-friendly businesses too, which makes it a special place. But above all, I want to use this event to ensure the doggies of Kingston all have a really great day!"  

Shareena Merzi, Director of Communications and Corporate Development at Kingston First, the town's Business Improvement District, the organisation that manages the Ancient Market Place says: "Kingston has hosted a vibrant daily market for more than 800 years, but in all those centuries this is the first time it has ever hosted a market dedicated entirely to dogs.

"As a dog owner myself, I'm especially thrilled that we are able to support Gaynor and Four Legged Foodies by including Kingston Dog Day as part of our packed programme of special markets and free events taking place in the Ancient Market Place this summer.  

"It's also incredibly heartwarming to see how some of Kingston's most dog-loving businesses are going the extra mile by hosting their own special Dog Day events and promotions; helping to ensure furry visitors, and their owners, all have an amazing time in Kingston."

Later this month, the Ancient Market Place will host its first Urban Market (15 & 16 July).

This is a popular world cuisine and fine food pop-up market (for humans) which will be making its debut in Kingston after huge success with central London shoppers.

The final weekend of July will see the return of the popular Makers Market on Saturday, 29 July and the Kingston Antiques Market on Sunday, 30 July.