The Somerset Cider championships at the Mid Somerset Show is amongst the country’s oldest competitions.
The central Somerset area is key in cider lore and nearby are some of the best soils for orchards anywhere in the world – the Bittersweet apples from Somerset are the envy of all.
The competition is rooted in the tradition of genuine farmhouse ciders. Before the war they were judged in 9 gallon casks and it is even now one of the few competitions which has all the farmhouse classes in gallon demijohns for the standard Dry, Medium and Sweet ciders. These days the competition includes more classes including single variety, bottle conditioned and Perry.
We welcome entries from both commercial and amateur makers.
The competition attracts entries from the local commercial makers as well as many amateurs who like to see what they can make from the apples in the orchards and gardens around them.
The Somerset Cider Championships is now an established part of the show. We would like all producers, large and small, to join in.
How to find the show.
Cannard’s Grave Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 4GF
From the M5:
Leave M5 at junction 23 and follow the A39 to Street and onto Glastonbury. In Glastonbury take the A361 to Shepton Mallet. At Shepton Mallet continue towards the A37, and signs will direct you to showfield parking.
From the A303:
Leave the A303 at Podimore roundabout and join the A37 signposted to Shepton Mallet. Once on the edge of Shepton Mallet road signs will direct you to showfield parking.
