British Cheese Awards, 22 March 2024

Promising talks, tastings and family fun, with a big helping of cheese along the way, the Royal Bath & West Society has announced the arrival of its new Food & Drink Festival for 2024. Set to take place from 23-24 March at The Bath & West Showground, this new festival will also host the 28th edition of the prestigious British Cheese Awards.

A celebration of the South West’s farmers, producers and purveyors, the Food & Drink Festival will be built around the British Cheese Awards judging arena, giving visitors the chance to view hundreds of the country’s top cheeses and even sample some of the trophy winners. Food and drink stands will surround the judging area, bringing together the region’s best in cider, beer, jam, gelato, cheese, chocolate and much more.

On the main stage, a diverse line-up of special guests will cover topics ranging from farming to feasting and everything in between. In the bierkeller area, visitors will be invited to immerse themselves in the world of real ales and craft beer, while the Kids Zone will keep little foodies entertained with creative crafts and activities.

Said Jess Chiplen, head of shows at The Royal Bath & West Society: “We’re so excited to be putting food and drink centre stage at the Showground next year, with a festival created for the whole family. Set in the heart of the Somerset countryside, we’re surrounded by some of the country’s very best food and drink, so we feel ideally placed to stage a big celebration of our farmers, producers, chefs and retailers. We now have the perfect home for the British Cheese Awards too, and can’t wait to share the awe-inspiring sight of the judging arena with a new food loving crowd. We hope to fly the flag for our region and get people thinking, but first and foremost the festival will be a place to share in the joy of outstanding food and drink.” 

The Bath & West Food & Drink Festival will take place at The Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, Somerset from 23-24 March 2024. Tickets will be available to purchase from www.bathandwest.com/tickets.

The British Cheese Awards 2024 judging will take place on Friday 22 March, with tastings and tours on offer throughout the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival. The British Cheese Awards will be open for entry from 4 September until 28 February.  britishcheeseawards.com