The festival for dogs that is coming to Glasgow

Jenn-Nimmo Smith has owned Scout for several years

The entertainment is booked, the food is on site and the health and safety checks have taken place.

However there is a difference to Glasgow's newest festival - it's all for dogs.

The first ever Barklove will be held at SWG3 on Sunday, with everything from DJs playing "dog-friendly sets" to workshops on grooming and pampering pups.

Human owners of the day's star attractions will be catered for too, but the focus of the event is primarily on paws.

The event is the brainchild of Jenn-Nimmo Smith, a dog enthusiast who owns both an excitable golden retriever called Scout and a music PR company.

"About 18 months ago I thought about doing something where I could combine my lifelong love of dogs and my experience working at events," she says.

"I wanted to do something different, for the urban dog. There's so many events in the countryside but I wanted to do something in the city, with indoor and outdoor options."

'My dog was honestly a life saver'

The plan progressed quickly, though within months Jenn was being given paws for thought by various logistical issues.

Among them was getting artificial grass sorted to turn the venue's courtyard into a play area, and another was checking there was a good number of water stations brought in, to make sure no dog would be thirsty on the day.

"There's definitely more things to take into account when you're thinking of dogs," she says.

"What's in their sight level? What can they see on the ground? How is the flow of movement outdoors going to be? We've worked to position things the best way for humans and dogs so it's the safest, most comfortable experience."

Jenn's passion for dogs goes back to her childhood, with a family springer spaniel Bracken and a golden retriever owned by her gran.

However, as an adult she feels Scout - who was a ring bearer at her wedding - has been important in her life in a number of different ways.

"With dogs there's that constant love, but also they're there with difficult times.

"I lost my dad seven years ago and we got Scout that year. She was honestly a life saver.

"When you're grieving, waking up to see that happy furry face, and someone that loves you unconditionally, is so important. It also means you need to leave the house, you need to take them for a walk – it gives you a routine in a really hard time."

Jenn and Scout on Jenn's wedding day

Scout's family ties have continued since then. Jenn's mum is now in a care home, and when Jenn visits she makes sure to bring her pal with her.

"My mum's a massive dog lover and now there's other residents in the care home who we must go and visit when we're in too, because they love seeing her.

"I think being in a care home, when Scout recognises and you see their faces brighten, it's really lovely."

Jenn says she hopes Sunday will have an equally sweet vibe to the day.

It will mix practical aspects, like a marketplace with around 30 stalls and all sorts of food and drink, with more surprising offers - like the chance to have a tarot card reading for you and your pet.

Entertainment includes a dog show, a collaboration with the Yard Works graffiti art studio called Bark Works featuring live murals being painted, and a steady flow of dog friendly tunes played by DJs.

The latter does not mean Dog Days Are Over, Who Let the Dogs Out and I Wanna Be Your Dog on a loop, though.

"My background is music, so there was always going to be an element of that, laughs Jenn.

"For DJ sets think ambient, Balearic beat tunes – nothing too intense, just something to ease you through the day. So not a full on rave..."

Jenn is devoted to Scout

And just like any music festival, Jenn is keen to ensure those attending have plenty to make some noise about.

"Someone was saying to me they've just had to put their dog to sleep at 17 – Scout's eight and I just want her to live forever.

"Bracken died in my 20s and I didn't get Scout until my early 30s. You know the day will come but it's also unthinkable.

"Scout's a part of the family. Their life spans are short but that's why I want to bring her as many places as I can and keep her happy and healthy."