A new digital twist has been introduced to one of England’s flagship agricultural events, with organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show opening entries to a broader range of food and hospitality businesses ahead of this summer’s show.
For the first time, the Show’s long-established Cheese and Dairy section will feature three digital-only classes, aimed at identifying the best Champion Cheese Board, Grazing Platter and Cheese Celebration Cake.
The move is designed to widen participation beyond traditional exhibitors, encouraging entries from farm shops, delicatessens, cheesemongers, caterers, restaurants and hotels across Yorkshire and further afield.
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Set to take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground from July 14–17, the event is expected to draw crowds of around 140,000 visitors, with tickets already on sale at last year’s prices.
Chief steward of the Cheese and Dairy Show, Caroline Bell, said the introduction of digital classes reflects changing trends in how cheese is marketed and enjoyed.
She added: “It’s exciting to take these classes out into the community in a way that makes it easier for businesses to be involved and showcase their talent. These categories celebrate not just the quality of cheese, but how it is presented across the hospitality and retail sectors.”
The Cheese and Dairy Show remains one of the most prestigious competitions of its kind in the UK, with more than 160 classes covering a wide range of dairy products. Alongside judging, the programme includes cheesemaking demonstrations and industry discussions, as well as the popular charity cheese auction, which regularly raises significant sums for good causes.
Under the new format, entrants to the digital classes will submit photographic entries for judging, with winners invited to present their creations at the Show itself. Organisers say the approach will allow more businesses to take part without the logistical challenges of transporting perishable displays.
The wider Show will again highlight the breadth of British agriculture, featuring some 8500 livestock entries, machinery displays, food halls and entertainment over the four-day event.
Run by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the Show continues to play a major role in promoting farming, food production and rural enterprise, while also contributing significantly to the regional economy.
Entries for the Cheese and Dairy classes close on May 21, with strong interest anticipated following the introduction of the new categories.
As in recent years, advance ticketing remains in place, with the Show having sold out ahead of opening in every year since 2021.
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