Fantastic Cheese Show delights the crowds

FROME Cheese Show had a hugely successful year, with a record number of visitors, helped by favourable sunny weather.

Hannah George, show manager reports, “The show kicked off on the  Thursday afternoon with its annual Global Cheese Awards which was attended by over 200 people from local dignitaries, to judges from as far as the Isle of Man. 

“Hundreds of cheese entries arrived from over 10 different countries from around the world and was judged by our 60-strong judging team which this year included our celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli, who thoroughly enjoyed his afternoon/ evening. 

“The Saturday brought visitors from far and wide with record numbers attending to see our hundreds of exhibitors in their early livestock showing and horse classes which were very well attended. 

“Traders were prepped and ready for a busy day, with all outside trade plots completely selling out this year; there really was something for everyone. By lunchtime there really wasn’t a spare seat in the house, with hundreds flocking to see CBeebies’ Mr Bloom on stage, which went down an absolute storm with our smaller visitors of the show. 

“This year, there was more of an emphasis on free children’s entertainment, to ensure wherever you went, there was something for the children to get involved in. From the music stage, to Van Buran theatre, to the countryside area where there were many activities to have a go at, from the climbing wall, to Clayser shooting, to axe throwing and then back into the showground where children could try their hand at circus skills with our workshop team. 

“There really was entertainment aplenty around the showground, both the Village Green, the dog ring and the main ring were all fully booked all day which included a stunt show, ‘one man and his gun dog’ and the wonderful Jonathon Marshall and his Free Spirit Show which was truly breath-taking. Let’s not forget that pesky dinosaur, Tiny, who took himself for a wander round the showring – much to many children’s delight. 

“Whilst the outside entertainment was in full swing, the inside marquees were also stacked with wonderful home and handicraft and horticultural displays that had been entered from many of the general public. They put on a beautiful display for visitors to go and look at. 

“The Cheese Pavilion was full of visitors exploring the delights on offer with over 750 cheeses, cheese trade stalls, the cheese bar and cookery theatre. Up at the Egg , Fodder and Grain marquee this year we introduced a poultry display which was very well received which offered some education into the world of poultry, ensuring the show stands by its values to educate and inform the general public.  

“Huge thanks go to all sponsors, exhibitors and volunteers, without which the society could not continue to put on such an incredible event.

“The day really couldn’t have gone much better and myself and Frome Agricultural Society would like to thank all of those who visited and we hope you had a truly fantastic day and we hope to see you all again at next year’s show, which takes place on Saturday 12th September 2020.”