It’s gouda brie a good day

In 1999 Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival launched with only three cheesemakers. Now, there are more than 20, and so much more too

If you visited the first Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival in 1999 you would have found a couple of large Scout tents on the Recreation Ground. These were home to the food traders at the time – just three cheesemakers there. The cheese was mainly down at the Creamery, operated by Dairy Crest, situated in Station Road. But times move on – the Creamery might have closed but the Cheese Festival has continued to grow. Now there are two very large marquees housing over 20 cheese makers alongside a host of other local food and drinks traders, plus outside food catering. Whether your preference is for a sharp cheddar or a pungent blue there will be a cheese to tempt you.

Once you’re all cheesed out, how about an olive, Cornish pasty, slice of cake, piece of chocolate or a biscuit (or two)? You’ll find all those and more, plus Dorset gin and vodka, in the food marquees which hum with activity from the moment the gates open.

In the next marquee there are the crafters – offering everything from candles and leatherwork to art and jewellery. Stop a while and watch the Dorset Lacemakers or the Dorset Coppice Group demonstrate their ancient skills. And the local groups and charities woud love it if you stopped to chat, lend them an ear and let them tell you about what they do.

For the young – and young at heart – there is Punch & Judy and the ever-popular Strawberry Jam. All kids shows are free for all to enjoy.

Add in the Real Ale & Cider Tent and some live music (including Nautical Graffiti, The Songsmiths and Ribble) and you have all the ingredients for a great day out –all that is needed is you!

Find the Cheese Festival! 9th and 10th September 10am to 5pm Recreation Ground, Sturminster Newton

Discounted Early Bird tickets are available until midnight 8th September.

For the first time there is a weekend ticket – these must be purchased in advance from the website and will not be available on the gate. Tickets and more information at cheesefestival.co.uk. Follow SturCheeseFestival on Fb SturminsterCheeseFest on IG for more news.