No cheese this week – instead, the promise of cheese. The Somerset cheese festival programme is slated (see what I did there?) to begin this Saturday. Grab your chutney, statins, sun hats and cagoules, and get involved.
The Second Westcombe Wild Cheese + Beer Festival
- Saturday 10 May, 12 am – 9 pm
- Free Entry
- Lower Westcombe Farm, Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6ER
- http://www.westcombedairy.com/
Westcombe Dairy and the Wild Beer Company’s promotional material promises “Beer & Cheese & Food & Other Things”. Other Things translates to coconut shys to support the local cricket team, live music, and cheese and beer pairing/tasting classes. They’re launching two new Wild Beer Co. beers, and the dairy will be putting about its stellar unpasteurised cheddar alongside a couple other of its masterfully crafted artisan cheeses. In the event of a light shower or two, there’s cleverly a marquee.
The 151st Royal Bath & West Show
- May 28 – 31, 9 am – 6 pm
- Adult: £19 (online)
- The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN
- http://www.bathandwest.com/royal-bath-west/97/
The UK’s “biggest” cider competition; the country’s “finest” livestock; and the new home of The British “Cheese” Awards. Wham Bam Thank You Farmland.
Somerset Cheese, Cider and Moozic Festival
- Friday 20 – 22 June
- Saturday Fest’ Pass May offer (1 free pint + cheese): £20
- Cricketer Farm, Nether Stowey, Somerset, TA5 1LL
- http://www.somersetciderandcheesefest.co.uk/
Promises 25 different local ciders; over 30 Somerset produced cheeses; camping; dogs welcome; cheese & cider games “like no other”. Bands include Joey the Lips; Sound of the Sirens; Wille & The Bandits; and The Mangled Wurzels known for such agriculturally flavoured hits as “I Can Drive a Tractor” (see below).
Any festivals I’ve missed for May/June in Somerset, please let me know in the comments section.
Next week: back to cheese
The Turo Files 