FROME’S annual Cheese Show has been described as the “biggest and best” yet after another massive turnout.
The show, in its 132nd year, easily broke last year’s record of 16,000 visitors, although as the Frome Times went to print an exact number was still being calculated. Thousands came out for the day on Saturday and enjoyed themselves in the beautiful sunshine.
Show secretary Brenda Scott said, “It went really well, we’re very pleased with the attendance. There were certainly more than last year, it was even bigger and better. All the feedback we’ve been getting is that it was much better than last year.”
This year saw an incredible 700 entries in the Cheese Show, as well as hundreds of arts, crafts and trade stands and a packed programme of entertainment.
Amongst the most popular attractions were The Devil’s Horsemen, who performed a Wild West show, and a breathtaking Cossack trick riding show, performing fearless stunts.
Particularly popular with the children this year was Meirion Owen and his “Quack Pack” of ducks.
Brenda said, “He had rows of children who wanted to get involved. They loved it.”
Celebrity Ready Steady Cook chef Lesley Waters returned again and entertained crowds with her cookery demonstrations and banter with the crowd.
“She was very popular,” said Brenda, “very amusing – laughing and joking with the crowd.”
Brenda said that seeing the visitors having a great time at the show made all the year’s preparation worthwhile.
“It’s so satisfying” she said. “Preparing for the show is a whole year’s work. We’re always trying to improve the show so that it offers something for everyone. We want to keep it fresh and exciting.”
Brenda added that there were already plans formulating on how to make next year’s show even better than this year’s.
The plans include the addition of a “country pursuits area”, including demonstrations from gun dogs, of fly fishing and other country activities. Brenda added that it was too early to confirm that this would definitely go ahead.
She said, “I want to say thank you to everyone for coming out from the Frome area to support us. Without them the show wouldn’t be so successful. We’re definitely appreciative for all the support.”