THE popular Frome Agriculture and Cheese Show returned last weekend, with 1,500 cheese exhibits and a variety of entertainment and outdoor activities for all the family.
The show took place on Saturday 9th September and the hot weather didn’t stop crowds turning out to support the annual event, that included a star appearance and cookery demonstration from Syabira Yusoff, winner of last year’s Great British Bake Off.
“Despite the hot temperatures, the show was a huge success” says showground development manager, Charlotte O’Neill, “Due to the soaring temperatures, extra measures were put in place to protect our competitors, livestock and horses with regular consultations with our show vets taking place.
“There was a huge turnout for the livestock including over 600 sheep entries and 200 cattle entries. Extra gazebos and shelter were put in place, as well as competitors being allowed to take their animals home earlier.
“Due to this, the Grand Parade was unfortunately cancelled to protect the animals and exhibitors but, in its place, we saw our Machinery Demonstrations Committee stand in to parade both old and new farming machinery and explain how it has evolved to aid modern day farming; this drew a huge crowd and surrounded the main ring.”
The event was, of course, packed with all things cheese, including 1,500-cheese exhibits. Charlotte said, “Judging for the Global Cheese Awards took place on Thursday 7th September with entries from England, Ireland, Canada, Netherlands, Switzerland, Croatia, Cyprus and Spain.
“The Reserve UK Supreme went to White Lake Cheese with their Pave Cobble and the UK Supreme Champion was Saputo Dairy with their Extra Mature Cheddar. The Reserve Global Champion went to Cropwell Bishop Creamery with their Whole Beauvale and the Global Champion went to Zuivelfabriek De Graafstroom, Netherlands with their Gouda. An amazing example of why we are the Global Cheese Awards!
“In other parts of the show, an Extreme Bike Battle took to the village green with a backflipping stunt display and The Enrichments performed to a huge crowd on the music stage getting the whole audience involved and singing along.
“Our new Little Show Goers Play Zone, proved a huge success with absolutely free entertainment and activities for children throughout the day, keeping them busy, a definite return for next year’s Show!
“Thank you to all our sponsors, competitors, committees, grounds team and visitors, as without you all the show would not happen. Next year’s show will take place on Saturday 14th September.”
