The Big Cat Sanctuary is thrilled to announce its much-loved Open Days have evolved into Big Cat Fest. This highly anticipated expansion marks a new chapter, transforming the beloved public events into a spectacular, 10-day summer festival and tickets, which are a perfect Christmas gift, go on sale soon.
The event will expand across ten full days in July and August, offering visitors an immersive and inspiring experience that is truly bigger, better, and more wild! The festival atmosphere will feature live performances, unique street food vendors, family entertainment, and market stalls, all dedicated to celebrating the world’s most incredible felines.
The only place in the UK where you can see all five big cat species, the festival will showcase the Sanctuary’s incredible residents, including recent arrivals like Tocho the Puma and Kemala the Sumatran Tiger. Visitors will also be able to see popular residents such as Maya the Jaguar and Willow the Cheetah, alongside the world-famous residents of The Lion Rescue Centre – Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani and Lira, who were rescued from war-torn Ukraine.
Sign up to our mailing list to be alerted when tickets go live on the 11th December.
Mailing ListHome to around 40 cats, representing a range of species, the Sanctuary stands as the world’s first and only Centre of Species Survival for wild cats.
Cam Whitnall, Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary commented, “For almost twenty years, our Open Days have allowed people to connect with the incredible cats that call our Sanctuary home. They’ve become so popular, it’s time for them to grow into something spectacular. We’re thrilled to launch Big Cat Fest, which is the Open Days reimagined to be bigger, better, and more wild! Big Cat Fest brings our core mission to life in the most exciting way possible, through education, experience, and celebration. It’s more than an event; it’s a festival with a powerful conservation purpose.”
While the festival brings added fun, the heart of Big Cat Fest remains firmly rooted in conservation. The event will deliver daily conservation talks with expert guest speakers, shining a spotlight on the Sanctuary’s five pillars of welfare, breeding, education, conservation, and rescue. Fans can also look forward to a special One Zoo Three presentation, with stars Cam, Tyler, and Aaron returning to share behind-the-scenes stories.
Buying a ticket for Big Cat Fest supports the incredible work the team completes at the Sanctuary, as well as our global conservation work.
Follow The Big Cat Sanctuary’s Facebook page for the latest news, announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes updates.
Following the unprecedented demand that saw the 2025 Open Days sell out in record time, animal lovers and Sanctuary supporters are urged to secure their entry quickly when tickets are released on 11th December.
Big Cat Fest 2026 Dates:
- 29th, 30th and 31st July
- 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th August
New for 2026, for the first time VIP tickets will be available, which will include on the day early access, an exclusive bar area and private seating.
For the first time Members can secure early tickets from today (Thursday 4th December), a week before the general public.
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