More than 17,000 visitors descended on Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire at the weekend for the debut of The Pet Show 2013.

The Midlands-based venue was transformed into a menagerie of pet-related attractions, exhibits and performances across six animal themed zones including The Stables, Kennels, Hutch, Aquarium, Cattery and Aviary.

Organised by Cheshire-based TCG Media Ltd, attractions included performances by Britain's Got Talent Winners Ashleigh & Pudsey (above), dressage to rap music, and birds of prey displays, as well as a whole host of 'hands on' activities for both  children and adults.

Sponsors for the event included Confused.com, Burgess Pet Care, James Welbeloved, Positive Pet Care and Royal Canin.

Ian Sear, director of The Pet Show said: “We are thoroughly delighted with how our first show went. It's always difficult to gauge how a new venture may turn out but on this occasion we couldn't have asked for much more.

“We know it's early days but the feedback we've been receiving from visitors and exhibitors to date has been extremely positive.”

The Pet Show was unique, covering a 39,000 square metre location across three exhibition halls, a courtyard and outdoor grass arenas.

Commenting on the first event, Alpha Dog Behaviour director Nick Jones said: “I was pleasantly overrun with people seeking advice on both days. The public were super too and despite being exhausted I thoroughly enjoyed the experience in every way.”