Cheese lovers are in for a treat as one of the UK’s largest cheese and food festivals – and the world’s biggest dairy awards – returns to Staffordshire this summer.
Love Cheese Live is back for the third year with a mix of celebrity chef demonstrations, hundreds of artisan producers and even a chance for visitors to test their skills with hands-on workshops.
Plus, the two-day festival at Staffordshire County Show Ground in Stafford, will again feature the International Cheese and Dairy Awards, the world’s largest cheese and dairy competition showcasing over 5,000 cheeses from across the globe.
Organisers say this year’s event, 30 June – 1 July 2023, will be biggest yet, featuring top chefs James Martin, Mario Olianas, Lisa Marley and Will Holland, as well as the chance to taste award-winning cheeses and buy from 300 leading food producers.
There will also be an Artisan Market with national, regional and local producers selling homemade products, including cheese, of course, but also chutney, pies and pickles.
Live music, from jazz and duets to full on bands, will feature on both days, and for top culinary tips special masterclasses will include Italian Cheese, a guide to selecting and serving some of Italy’s finest cheeses, and Cheese Judging with some of the UK’s most knowledgeable cheese and dairy experts.
And for more top judging, the festival coincides with the 127th International Cheese and Dairy Awards, which champions top class cheese and dairy producers, and is the oldest award of its type in the world.
Bringing together passionate producers in one location, the 2023 awards will be staged at Bingley Hall, at the Showground on 29 June, and while this year’s supreme champion will be crowned then, all the winners will be on display for the duration of Love Cheese Live.
Tickets booked in advance cost from £7.50 on Friday 20 June and £14 on Saturday 1 July, with free admission for children under 16 years.
Also available are VIP experiences, which include a complimentary cheeseboard, glass of fizz, access to the VIP suite and garden, meet and greet with celebrity chefs and exclusive demonstrations. Tickets cost from £35 per person.
For full details, visit www.lovecheeselive.co.uk
Tourist information about visiting, and staying in, Staffordshire is available at www.enjoystaffordshire.com