Cheese festival grates into Newcastle

Newcastle is set to get its first dedicated cheese festival this autumn, bringing producers from across Britain and Ireland together for a one-day celebration.

Independent Jesmond cheesemonger grate will host grate cheese fest at Summerhill Bowling Club on October 4 as the business celebrates its sixth birthday.

Running from 10am to 3pm, the event will give visitors the opportunity to meet cheesemakers, discover more about their craft and sample produce from across Britain and Ireland.

Producers represented will include names such as Baron Bigod, Blackmount, Doddington and Shepherd’s Purse, alongside local businesses including Newcastle Cocktail Kitchen, Northumbrian Pantry and Belly of the Beast.

Cheese will also be available to buy from grate throughout the festival.

The event will be hosted by award-winning cheesemonger Moz Murphy, pictured below, with international cheese judge and One Cheese to Rule Them All co-author Carlos Yescas acting as MC.

Moz said: “The best part of running a cheese shop is watching someone try something they were sure they wouldn’t like. 

“This is a whole day of that, and a chance to meet the people who actually make the cheese we sell.”

Carlos will interview producers during the day and sign copies of his book.

He added: “The North East has never had an event like this, where multiple award-winning cheesemakers are sampling their products and sharing their personal stories under one roof. 

“I am so excited to welcome them to Newcastle and introduce them to the turophiles of the city and region.

“I hope people come join us and take an opportunity to learn more about exceptional cheese made in the British Isles. 

“Grate’s Cheese Fest will be remembered as the cheesiest event (pun intended), thanks to Moz’s visionary idea to open a cheese shop six years ago.”

Tickets cost £5 and must be booked in advance through Eventbrite.

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