IN a pickle about what to put on your crackers?
Well this year’s 116th annual ‘International Cheese Awards’ should help; held at Dorfold Park, Nantwich, in Cheshire and featuring a whopping 4,000 entries making it the biggest competition to date.
In addition to the colossal range of cheeses will be a selection of celebrities deciphering the golden gorgonzola from the mouldy malfunctions.
With cheddar more mature than Mick Jagger it would be no exaggeration to label the event the Glastonbury of cheese.
From supermarket giants of Waitrose, Asda and Tesco to the cheese producing powerhouses of Cathedral City and Belton Cheese as well as artisan producers from across the globe all set to do battle over who will be crowned the big cheese.
The judging and trade day will be on Tuesday 30 July followed by a show day open to the public on Wednesday 31 July where you can eat yourself into a cheese induced high.
Whether you are looking for eternal Edamnation or yearning for the neutrality of Swiss cheese there will be something for everyone.
With a whole host of cheeses on show there are sure to be some exotic and unique entrants, the 2011 ‘supreme champion’ being a prime example - a cheddar matured in the depths of a dark, dank cave for 6 months, following a sixteenth century practice.
In addition to the colossal range of cheeses will be a selection of celebrities deciphering the golden gorgonzola from the mouldy malfunctions. Guests over the last few years have included celebrity chefs Gino D’Acampo and Anthony Worrall Thompson plus Brit Pop icon turned cheese producing connoisseur Alex James.
With 40,000 visitors set to attend not just biggest cheese event in Cheshire, but the whole world you’d Brie stupid to miss it.
The International Cheese Awards show day will take place on Wednesday 31 July with Adult tickets £14 when bought in advance or £18 on the day.
