FOLLOWING its record-breaking popularity last year, Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival returns this coming weekend with more goodies than ever to tempt and tantalise.

Now in its 12th year the two-day festival, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11, is more than simply a celebration of cheese.

The food marquees are continuing to expand and this year around 70 producers are expected to attend, 17 of them selling different cheeses.

Other produce will include bread, meat, beer, cider and honey.

Festival spokeswoman Helen Lacey said: “Every year we say we will have a bumper festival and worry about being able to top the previous year and each time we manage it.

“I don’t know how or why, but we always do. I think the attraction is that it has something for all the family and is in a confined site so you are able to walk round and return to the things you would like to see again.

“It is in a glorious setting with views over to Sturminster Mill and as entry only costs £4 with children under 15 free, it is a reasonable family day out.”

Helen added that this range of dairy products includes some of the best cheeses from the West Country, including Dorset Blue Vinney, Exmoor Blue and Windy Ridge as well as ‘everything from sausages to sushi’.

There will be food and cookery demonstrations in the Mousetrap Theatre, a vast array of ciders and beers to sample, freshly cooked food and live music both days from a jazz band and the ever-popular Huckleberries.

The craft marquee is a popular festival attraction, with some stunning locally made items available to suit every taste and purse.

Children are also well catered for, with Punch and Judy shows both days and circus skills workshops on the Sunday.

A new innovation this year will be a ‘get up and perform slot on the main stage’.

Helen said: “It is like an open mic event without the mic and anyone who feels the urge or is brave enough can get up and sing or recite poetry, whatever they fancy.”

She added: “All we need now is good weather – nothing too hot but just a nice September day would be perfect.”

Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival is on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11 from 10am to 5pm. Entry is £4 per adult, and free for children under 15. There is free parking and a park and ride carpark from the centre of Sturminster.

For full details visit cheesefestival.co.uk