Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
2027 dates not announced yet — usually second full weekend of September
Ricketts Lane ground, with parking in Durant Field, Sturminster Newton, Dorset · South West England
A Blackmore Vale weekend devoted to cheese, with cheesemakers, artisan food, crafts and live music in Sturminster Newton.
Sturminster Newton lies in the Blackmore Vale, which Thomas Hardy called the 'vale of little dairies'. After the town's calf market and creamery closed, the community started a festival to celebrate its dairy heritage and award-winning cheese, and the first Cheese Festival was held in 1999.
It takes place on the second full weekend of September, with cheese producers, artisan food stalls, crafts, a real ale, cider and wine bar, live bands and children's entertainment.
A free car park, including disabled parking, is in Durant Field next to the festival ground, reached from Bridge Street. The nearest railway station is Gillingham, about nine miles away.
Dates
| Year | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Not announced yet (usually second full weekend of September) | Expected |
| 2026 | Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September 2026 | Held |
Dates are taken from the festival’s own website and were last checked on 5 October 2026. Plans can change, so please check with the organiser before you travel. Spotted a change? Tell us.
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