Big Cheese Weekender returns for third year
Image: pexels
The Academy of Cheese is thrilled to have joined forces with artisanal cheesemakers, retailers and
wholesalers for the third year running to create the Big Cheese Weekender. Taking place 7 – 9 October
2022, the weekend has been created to support the cheese industry, whilst spreading knowledge and
enjoyment of this specialist sector to consumers.
The British Cheese Weekender was originally set up in 2020 by food journalist and author, Patrick
McGuigan, and Academy of Cheese Director, Tracey Colley, in response to the pandemic and its effects on independent British Cheesemakers. Building on the success of this inaugural event and the continued covid crisis, 2021 saw the event return for a second year reaching an even bigger audience, and with the support and approval of the cheese community.
This year’s collaborative project, organised by the Academy of Cheese, has the new title of Big Cheese
Weekender to recognise the international reach of the Academy and it’s cheesemaking members from
around the world. Academy students currently study and taste over 300 cheeses from 34 countries, giving not only a knowledge of the cheeses, but also an understanding of the history, culture, terroir and
traditions of each region.
Big Cheese Weekender aims to raise awareness of the wonders of cheese, and help shoppers connect with their local cheesemakers and mongers. It will showcase some of the UK and Europe’s best cheese industry experts with a series of free, online events, including cheese tastings, masterclasses, chefs’ demos and dairy tours. Highlights include a live virtual tour of the famous Rogue Creamery in the USA; a cheese & wine pairing masterclass with Patrick McGuigan & WSET School London and a blue cheese risotto masterclass with Italian chef, Francesco Paglieri.
The Big Cheese Weekender kicks off at 3.30pm on Friday 7 October with a full line up of over 30 events happening every 30 minutes across the weekend. Both the trade and public are invited to join in and are directed to the event website www.bigcheeseweekender.com to start enjoying the activities.
