Arising from what Thomas Hardy referred to as ‘The vale of little dairies’, Sturminster Newton became an important producer of dairy products. Sturminster Newton’s Cattle Market closed in 1997, the site eventually becoming The Exchange.

In 1999 the award winning Creamery, which originated as a farmers’ cooperative, held an event which promoted cheese production, and other food products, in the area.

This became an annual event which has been held ever since.

Find out more, and buy tickets, on Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival’s website.