Shepton Mallet is set to welcome the 29th British & Irish Cheese Awards as nearly 600 cheeses go head-to-head in one of the most prestigious competitions in the industry.

The event, taking place on Friday, March 21, at the Bath & West Showground, will bring together leading cheesemakers, mongers, and dairy experts for a day of intense judging.

Hosted as part of the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival, the awards are the largest celebration of British and Irish cheese, attracting entries from across England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Among the competitors are 22 brand-new cheeses launched since last year, all vying for recognition.

A panel of 52 industry professionals, including cheesemakers, cheesemongers, and buyers, will assess the cheeses in multiple rounds to award Gold, Silver, and Bronze accolades. The top cheeses will then compete for category titles, culminating in the ultimate prize—the 2025 Supreme Champion, which will be announced at the awards dinner that evening.

Public tastings and festival highlights

Festivalgoers attending the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival on March 22 and 23 will get a rare opportunity to witness the judging process and sample some of the winning cheeses during Guided Cheese Tours.

Beyond the cheese, the festival will showcase the South West's finest food and drink producers, with a variety of demonstrations, tastings, and presentations covering everything from traditional farming techniques to modern culinary trends.

A record-breaking competition

This year's competition has drawn 591 cheese entries, including:

• 53 cheddars
• 49 blue cheeses
• 44 soft white cheeses

A total of 90 producers have entered, with 69 from England, 10 from Ireland, four from Scotland, and eight from Wales.

A legacy of excellence

Founded in 1994 by Juliet Harbutt, the British & Irish Cheese Awards are now overseen by the Royal Bath & West Society. Over the years, the competition has grown in both size and reputation, attracting record-breaking entries and maintaining its status as the premier cheese awards in the UK and Ireland.

How to attend

The Bath & West Food & Drink Festival takes place at the Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet on Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23.

Tickets and further details are available here.