Fromage fanatics, gather round: a festival stuffed full of cheese is kicking off in London this weekend, and I don’t want to be too cheesy, but it looks pretty grate to me.
Running from October 13-15, the ultimate cheese-lovers festival has returned for its fourth year. But for the first time ever, the event will be taking place in person. That’s right, 2023’s Big Cheese Weekender won’t just have to be enjoyed through a screen like in previous years. This year the festival is taking place IRL – and it’s going to be simply brie-lliant.
What is the Big Cheese Weekender?
Back in 2020, in an effort to help the cheese industry during the pandemic, The Big Cheese Weekender was created as a virtual cheese festival by the Academy of Cheese and the Guild of Fine Food. Fast-forward to 2023 and the cheese-champs are taking over local markets and high-street cheese retailers throughout London with their Caerphilly constructed in-person programme of events. But fret not if you can’t make it to London for the event, because there’s still a packed roster of virtual events.
Hosted by the Academy of Cheese, the three days are jam-packed with free and ticketed events, each created to celebrate the cheese sector and support local and independent cheese-mongers and makers. Whether you’re a complete cheese-novice or a total turophile, there’ll be something that takes your fancy. From market takeovers and interactive cooking demos to a ‘spin the wheel’ cheese and cracker pairing workshop and a ‘do you have what it takes to be a cheese judge?’ event; there really is something for everyone (unless you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, that is).
Explore the huge variety of cheese on offer, expand your cheese knowledge, and well-and-truly up your cheese game at the Big Cheese Weekender. You’ll certainly be in gouda hands! (Okay, I’ll stop now.)
The Big Cheese Weekender runs from October 13 – October 15. Find out more and plan your visit here.