Bath & West Food & Drink Festival returns, hosting British & Irish Cheese Awards 2025

The Bath & West Food & Drink Festival will return to Somerset for its second outing in March, promising more talks, more tours and more tastings, as well as a big helping of cheese. Taking place at The Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet, the festival will host the 29th edition of the prestigious British & Irish Cheese Awards.

Bringing together farmers, producers and purveyors from across the South West, the Food & Drink Festival will be built around the British & Irish Cheese Awards judging arena. Visitors will have the chance to view hundreds of cheeses from across the UK and Ireland, and even sample some of this year’s trophy winners by joining one of the Festival’s new Cheese Tours, which will be hosted by some of this year’s British & Irish Cheese Awards judges. Food and drink stands will surround the judging area, showcasing the region’s best in real ales, craft beer, cider, jam, gelato, cheese, chocolate and much more.

On the Farmhouse Kitchen Stage, a diverse line-up of special guests will cover topics ranging from farming to feasting and everything in between. Throughout the weekend, the Bath & West Steam Railway will be open, and the Kids Zone will keep little foodies entertained with cooking workshops The Fun Kitchen as well as creative crafts and food and farming activities.

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 from bathandwest.com/food-and-drink-festival.

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 British & Irish Cheese Awards are open for entry until 17 February.