TWO major events are set to take place in the New Forest following the government's announcement that live outdoor performances can take place.

Lymington Seafood Festival on August 29-31 will be followed by Dogstival at Burley Park on September 5 and 6.

Both events are run by Lymington-based Lighthouse Marketing, which is working with New Forest District Council and Hampshire police to ensure they are Covid secure.

The seafood festival has been expanded to a three-day event over August bank holiday weekend to better enable social distancing.

The previously-free festival will be ticketed this year to meet with track-and-trace requirements, and to help meet the costs associated with additional cleaning.

The demonstration kitchen will be replaced by a pop-up fine-dining restaurant featuring cuisine prepared by guest chefs.

There will also be additional seating and more smaller bars to allow families or those in social bubbles to enjoy the day safely.

Lighthouse Marketing spokesperson Richard Nowell said: “Judging by the reaction on social media, locals are excited about the event going ahead. However, we also anticipate people coming from a little further away and spending both time and money into the local economy – a much-needed boost given the tough times businesses have had. We’re also pleased to give the hundreds of local and regional stallholders a chance to get their tills ringing.”

The Dogstival event will feature hand sanitising stations across the site.

The main arena will feature entertainment from the Rockwood Display Team, working dog demonstrations with Stuart Barnes, the Dogstival Flyball Trophy and a fun dog show.

TV vet Dr Scott Miller will host the Healthy Hound Den joined by leading New Forest vet physio Carlie Dixon and surgeon Michael Hamilton, a former colleague of TV’s The Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick.

Mr Nowell said: "The events industry is diverse, and while large scale music festivals did not have a chance of being held this year, there are many other types of events that can take place safely and in line with government guidelines.

"As both events are outdoors, it adds to the level of public safety.”