A NEW food festival is coming to Somerset next year.

The Royal Bath & West Society has announced plans for an event at the showground, running from March 23 to 24, 2024.

The society said the Food & Drink Festival would feature ‘talks, tastings and family fun, with a big helping of cheese along the way’.

The gathering will also host the 28th edition of the prestigious British Cheese Awards, promising to be a ‘celebration of the South West’s farmers, producers and purveyors’.

It will be built around the British Cheese Awards judging arena, giving visitors the chance to view hundreds of the country’s top cheeses and even sample some of the trophy winners.

Food and drink stands will surround the judging area, bringing together the region’s best in cider, beer, jam, gelato, cheese, chocolate and much more.

Meanwhile, a main stage will host a range of special guests, covering topics ranging from farming to feasting.

In the bierkeller area, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the world of real ales and craft beer, while the Kids Zone will keep little foodies entertained with creative crafts and activities.

Jess Chiplen, head of shows at The Royal Bath & West Society, said: “We’re so excited to be putting food and drink centre stage at the Showground next year, with a festival created for the whole family.

“Set in the heart of the Somerset countryside, we’re surrounded by some of the country’s very best food and drink, so we feel ideally placed to stage a big celebration of our farmers, producers, chefs and retailers.

“We now have the perfect home for the British Cheese Awards too, and can’t wait to share the awe-inspiring sight of the judging arena with a new food loving crowd.

“We hope to fly the flag for our region and get people thinking, but first and foremost the festival will be a place to share in the joy of outstanding food and drink.”

The Bath & West Food & Drink Festival will take place at The Bath & West Showground, near Shepton Mallet, Somerset, from March 23 to 24, 2024.

Tickets will be available to purchase from www.bathandwest.com/tickets.

Judging for the British Cheese Awards 2024 will take place on Friday, March 22, with tastings and tours on offer throughout the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival.

The British Cheese Awards will be open for entry from September 4 until February 28.