Wales welcomes Great British Cheese Festival

The historic surroundings of Cardiff Castle will once again play host to the Great British Cheese Festival this weekend (September 25/26).

The Welsh Assembly Government supported event is heading for the Welsh capital for the third year in a row, bringing with it some of the biggest names in the British cheese industry.

The Great British Cheese Festival is the largest UK cheese show, with over 450 British and Irish cheeses along with fine foods and drinks from around the country, and is recognised as one of 'Frommer's 300 Unmissable Events and Festivals Around the World.'

Said Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones: "I am delighted that Cardiff is again hosting the Great British Cheese Festival and in so doing highlighting the thriving and award-winning cheese industry here in Wales."

This year's event has even more cheeses to try, and buy, a whole host of master classes for connoisseurs and beginners alike, as well as plenty of cheesy family fun and games including Cheese Skittles and Cheese Tossing on the castle green.

Welsh food and drink companies will be selling a selection of delicious produce in the True Taste of Wales marquee. While those looking for something to accompany their cheese can sample the range of CAMRA selected beers in the Cardiff Arms.

The programme has been put together by festival founder, award winning cheese maker and winner of the recent Guild of Food Writers Food Book of the Year 2010 Award for 'The World Cheese Book', Juliet Harbutt.

Said Juliet Harbutt, "We've had a couple of fantastic years in Cardiff, and we're all set for another great one, with the festival located in this beautiful Castle, and the Great British Cheese Awards on the same weekend."

The British Cheese Awards dinner will be held on the Friday evening (September 24th) before the festival at the National Museum of Wales near the castle where this year's winners will be announced.

For more information about the Great British Cheese Festival log on to: greatbritishcheesefestival.co.uk