It's up to individual festivals to decide whether to allow dogs or not and, of course, dogs shouldn't be put into an environment that would cause them stress. Many years ago dogs were allowed into venues at a festival I was very involved with, and it was obvious that dogs taken into ceilidhs, dances or very crowded venues were out of their comfort zone. So that, together with the health consideration, led to a ban on dogs in venues - but not on campsite.

It's up to individual dog owners to decide whether they will attend a festival that doesn't allow them to take their dog. We choose not to attend, even some festivals that we have loved in the past before becoming dog owners. It's up to dog owners to be responsible, in general, festival goers are far more considerate (in the matter of cleaning up after their pets or general rubbish) than the local public using a site. As to the matter of dogs biting/insurance, the festival aspect is irrelevant. If you are a dog owner you should be confident that your dog will not cause a risk to people (unless, of course, those other people physically attack you).

Zak, our bearded collie/sheltie cross loves festivals and gets very excited when we start packing up the motorhome. He seems to enjoy attending singarounds where he can sit under one of our chairs, and I think we've now persuaded him not to give that one bark he did to show his appreciation of a song when others started applauding.

Some 'festival dogs' have their own fan clubs, and many in the south of England remember those such as Benny, Jester, Trooper, Sheba and other doggy friends who have enriched festival campsites.