Join us for The People's Cheese - Best New Cheese 2026 to taste and celebrate the freshest cheesy creations!

The People’s Cheese 2026 Grand Final

Help Crown Britain’s Best New Cheese

Saturday 17 October 2026 | 5:00pm–9:00pm St Mary’s Church, Wendover, Buckinghamshire

The People’s Cheese is one of Britain’s most exciting cheese competitions, celebrating innovation and recognising the very best new artisan cheeses being made in the UK.

On 17 October, four exceptional finalist cheeses will compete live for the title of The People’s Cheese 2026. As a guest, you won’t simply be watching—you’ll taste every finalist and cast your own vote to help decide the winner.

This award genuinely changes careers. Last year’s winner, Stone Tree Dairy, went on to secure listings with Paxton & Whitfield, Neal’s Yard Dairy and other leading British cheesemongers following the recognition gained through the competition.

Hosted by Marcus Brigstocke—comedian, actor and international cheese judge—the evening combines expert judging, live entertainment and audience participation in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Church, Wendover.

Meet the Judging Panel

Marcus Brigstocke – Host

James Grant – Founder, The Real Cheese Project

Ceri Cryer – Brinkworth Dairy

Chris Dawson – Former Cheese Buyer, Marks & Spencer

Jonathan Pearcey – The Crafty Cheese Man

Lucy Cufflin – Food writer and cheese expert

Special guest Jane Quicke will make a guest appearance walongside comedian Marcus Brigstocke!

The Final 4 cheeses

Tuppence - Whitlake

Wild Garlic Filly - Pencw Dairy

Carreg Las - Caws Cenarth

Lindley - Primrose Creamery

Agenda

From 5pm

From 17:00 Welcome drink

17:30 Live music

18:30 Comedy

19:00 Cheese Judging Intto and competition begins

(Hot food available from 17-18:30)

Your ticket includes

Welcome drink on arrival

Live music

Cheese Judging tips prior to the big event

Official judging booklet/scorecard

Your opportunity to help crown and judge The Peopl's Cheese 26'

Comedy from Marcus Brigstocke

Hot food avilable!

We have a fabulous food truck serving coq au vin and mushroom stroganoff, prepared by Fallow & Field - grab some eats before we go live at 7pm!

To complement each finalist, No2 Pound Street has carefully selected a wine pairing for every cheese. These wines will be available by the glass throughout the evening, while thoughtfully chosen soft drink pairings will also be available for guests who prefer a non-alcoholic option.

The Grand Final will be filmed and broadcast live across the UK. Specially prepared tasting boxes containing all four finalist cheeses will also allow viewers at home to taste, judge and vote alongside the audience in Wendover, making this a truly nationwide celebration of British artisan cheese.

Whether you’re a passionate cheese lover, an industry professional or simply someone looking for a memorable evening out, this is a rare opportunity to discover Britain’s next great cheese before the rest of the country.

Join us for an evening of outstanding British cheese, expert insight, live music, entertainment and audience judging—and help decide which cheesemaker will become The People’s Cheese 2026.

Four cheeses. One winner. Your vote could change a cheesemaker’s future.

Description supplied by the event organiser.