On Friday 21 March, around 600 cheeses from Britain and Ireland will be judged at the 29th edition of the prestigious British & Irish Cheese Awards, taking place at The Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
Hosted for a second year by the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival, which opens to the public on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March, the British & Irish Cheese Awards is the largest showcase of British and Irish cheese, assessing entries from the majority of cheesemakers from across each nation.
Among this year’s entries from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are 22 brand new cheeses, which have launched since the last edition of the Awards. All cheese entries will be judged in a single day by a 52-strong judging panel, including cheesemakers, cheesemongers, cheese experts, buyers and commentators.
Entries will be judged in individual classes during round one, as the panel decides upon Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners, before all Gold winners are judged again to identify the category winners. Following a final round of judging with the category winners, the 2025 Supreme Champion will be selected and revealed during the British & Irish Cheese Awards Dinner on the evening of Friday 21 March.
Visitors to the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival will be able to view the British & Irish Cheese Awards judging hall, and even sample some of the trophy winners as part of the brand new Guided Cheese Tours running throughout the weekend. Away from the judging area, the festival will also celebrate the South West’s growers, producers and purveyors, featuring demonstrations and presentations on everything from farming to feasting, and everything in between.
The British & Irish Cheese Awards 2025 judging will take place on Friday 21 March, with tastings and tours on offer throughout the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival.
The Bath & West Food & Drink Festival will take place at The Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, Somerset from 22-23 March 2025.
Tickets are available to purchase HERE.
Feature Image credit: Joe Breakwell / The Royal Bath & West Society
