SUMMER is on the way - and where better to enjoy a day out than the New Forest?

Some events due to have taken place this year have been cancelled because of the pandemic, including the New Forest Show and the Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show.

Totton and Eling Carnival and the Lymington Italia Festival are among the other celebrations that have been scrubbed for the second year running.

But many other events are going ahead, providing plenty of family entertainment for thousands of people looking for a good time following the end of lockdown.

One of the biggest shows in the Forest this summer is Dogstival, which is taking place at Burley Park, Burley, on June 5-6.

Billed as Glastonbury for Dogs, the fun-filled show is set to deliver two days of non-stop entertainment for humans and their canine companions, including demonstrations, a dog agility course and plenty of live music.

Dogstival has teamed up with This Morning’s TV vet Dr Scott Miller, whose Healthy Hound Den will explain all things relating to canine health and wellbeing.

The festival will also feature the K9 aqua splash diving pool and more than 140 retailers, plus plenty of food and drink.

A raft of charities are set to benefit from the event, including The Dogs Trust, Service Dogs UK, Pets As Therapy and Support Dogs For Epilepsy & Autism.

Referring to a similar event held last autumn organiser Richard Nowell said: "We put a huge amount of safety procedures in place to get Dogstival on last September and we’re all ‘paws crossed’ that by the summer life will be looking a lot different.

"As ever, we’ll be adding new and innovative activities or shows.

"We look forward to welcoming dog lovers back to the Forest to celebrate everything wonderful our four-legged friends have done to support us through a tough year of lockdown."

The 5th Lymington Seafood Festival is being held at Bath Road on July 16, 17 and 18.

Organisers describe it as a boutique festival that features the region's best food and drink producers, plus a "dollop of great live music to get the town rocking".

This year's line up includes an Elton John tribute band and Dan the Hat, who has entertained the crowds at Glastonbury and other festivals.

The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, is another attraction that is looking forward to welcoming visitors again as restrictions ease.

One of the events scheduled to take place over the next few months is Simply VW on June 19, when a large number of VW cars, campers and commercials will be on show.

Organisers say every age and model of VW is welcome to take part in the event.

"The 2020 event saw an impressive selection of VWs take their places, from Golfs, Passats and Polos to classic and modern Beetles.

"Always hugely popular with enthusiasts and show-goers, Transporters and Campers turned up in force, from classic split-screen and bay window T2s, all the way through to modern day T5s and T6s.

"Simply VW 2021 is sure to be just as colourful and diverse a line-up. All tickets must be bought in advance."

Other events for the summer include: Simply Jaguar (June 27), Simply Land Rover (July 11), Simply Vauxhall (July 17), Simply Ford (July 18), Simply Audi (August 1), and Simply Aston Martin (August 21).

Beaulieu is also hosting the BBC Gardeners World Fair Spring on May 28, 29 and 30.

The event will feature nurseries with plants for sale, an inspirational collection of beautiful borders, expert gardening advice and a large number of exhibitors.

Visitors will also be able to visit the BBC Good Food Market, enjoy toe-tapping live music and mouth-watering delights from independent street food vendors.