Making the town's show even more tantalising

The show, held at Dorfold Hall Park, has gone from strength to strength over the years and now hosts the largest cheese show in the world, attracting visitors and cheese-makers from around the globe.

Last year saw a record attendance with more than 30,000 visitors and more than 1,800 competitive entries.

Because of this boost in interest the main cheese marquee will be expanded again this year to a colossal 43,000 sq ft, including a press and hospitality area.

And new for this year will be a Continental Cheese Market, bringing an international atmosphere to the festival and complementing the small producers market established last year.

This summer further sees the introduction of gold, silver and bronze awards, to give the winners a more prestigious feel.

There will be some 12 hours of continuous ring displays, including show jumping, heavy horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, falconry and gun dog displays, marching military bands, jazz music and school singers.

Trade displays will include around 400 stands including home produce, arts and crafts, horticulture, honey and floral art.

The show will be open to the public on July 27, with a traders and press day the day before.

A festival spokesman said: "Whilst we were delighted with 2004, the directors and management have spent considerable time in making significant changes for this year to ensure, that the show remains the premier agricultural event in the UK.

"These changes will see yet further enlargement of the renowned cheese pavilion, a new Mornflake pavilion to encompass home, food, garden and leisure, a new improved roadway, the cattle being moved to a new location, and a new food court."

Key sponsors Bradbury and Son introduced the first Nantwich Outstanding Service Awards last year acknowledging hard work, loyalty and innovation within the industry.

Nominations for this year should be sent to Adrian Lawrence, The Woodlands, Aston, Nantwich, CW5 8DB by May 31.

amorrison@guardiangrp.co.uk