CHEERS producers will vie for national recognition at a major Somerset event which will reward the very best in 2024.

The Bath and West Food and Drink Festival will host 600 British cheeses at the British Cheese Awards.

The event will be one of the largest showcases of British cheeses and included contestants from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Among the new entrants, 25 of those are brand new cheeses from all four nations of the UK, who are looking to secure the top spot for their cheeses. These new cheeses have all launched since last year's festival.

Cheesemakers, cheesemongers, cheese experts, buyers and commentators make up a judging panel of 63 people and the judging to expected to be carried out in a single day.

Individual classes will judge cheese entries during the first round, and the panel will then decide upon Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners. Gold winners are judged again to identify the category winners.

The winner of the 2024 Supreme Champion is revealed during the British Cheese Awards Dinner on the evening of Friday, March 22.

Special guests attending the inaugural Food and Drink Festival will include TV presenter and Great British Bake Off contestant, Briony May Williams, food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden and comedian George Egg. 

Festival entertainment includes The Farmhouse Tavern showcasing beverages of all kinds, and the Little Foodies zone will keep families entertained.

The event will be taking place at Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet. The event is ticketed.