The Big Cat Sanctuary is proud to announce that Cats Protection will join as the headline partner for Big Cat Fest 2026, a spectacular 10-day summer celebration and the world’s first festival dedicated entirely to wild cat conservation. 

In an evolution of the Sanctuary’s record-breaking Open Days, Big Cat Fest 2026 will run in two blocks from 29th July–2nd August and 5th–9th August. The expanded festival is set to welcome 30,000 visitors to the Kent countryside for an immersive experience that is bigger, better, and wilder than ever before. 

 A partnership with purpose 

The collaboration between the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and the world’s first IUCN SSC Centre for Species Survival for wild cats, marks a significant step in feline advocacy. The partnership focuses on education, welfare messaging, and responsible ownership, helping the public understand the shared instincts and vital differences between domestic cats and their wild cousins. 

Cats Protection will feature prominently across the festival site with an expert-led talk, and an interactive education space. A key focus will be raising awareness of the welfare concerns surrounding wild-domestic hybrid breeds, an issue of increasing importance to both organisations. The partnership will also include a special collaboration with conservationist and Managing Director Cam Whitnall, who will explore how big cats and domestic cats compare in their behaviour, needs and natural instincts.  

Cam Whitnall said “For almost twenty years our Open Days have allowed people to connect with our incredible residents. To see the event evolve into Big Cat Fest is a proud moment for us all and having Cats Protection join us as a key partner makes it even more impactful. This festival brings our core mission to life through education and celebration, and by working together we can tell the complete story of all felines, from the lions in our rescue centre to the cats in our homes. This, we hope, will inspire a new generation to protect cats across the globe." 

The partnership also supports Cats Protection’s wider Animal Welfare Strategy, including its call for cat breeding regulations. 

Jeff Knott, Cats Protection Advocacy & Influence Director, said “We’re thrilled to be joining forces with The Big Cat Sanctuary for their annual fundraising event. Our work at Cats Protection is rooted in helping people understand cats’ needs and see the world from their eyes, and this partnership lets us do that on a bigger scale than ever. By bringing together lovers of big and little cats alike, we can celebrate these incredible animals while also raising awareness of the welfare challenges they face - and how simple, informed choices can make a real difference.” 

Tickets for Big Cat Fest 2026 are available now from www.thebigcatsanctuary.org.