Cheddar Chat Podcast

Cheddar Chat is BACK — and we’re rolling into Season 2 cheesier, breezier, and braver than ever!  In this extended season opener, Donald returns with festival updates, behind-the-scenes gossip, and a warm reflection on last year’s delightfully soggy Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival (yes… that weather). From wellies in the mud to sunshine on Sunday, we look back at the moments that made the 2025...

Rain, mud, and more smiles than you could count – the 2025 Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival had it all. In this post-event round-up, Donald relives a weekend of soggy skies, resilient crowds, and plenty of cheddar. Hear highlights from the Cheese Tent, the Real Ale Tent, live music, and the Kid Zone, plus short interviews with Dorset Blue Vinny, Shanty Spirits, Dorset With Love, James Cheese, Ya...

 The wait is nearly over! Donald brings you the final big slice of Cheddar Chat before the festival gates swing open. From last-minute tips on tickets, weather, parking and dogs, to family fun in the Kid Zone and a heartwarming look at this year’s charity project, it’s everything you need to get ready for Dorset’s cheesiest weekend. 📖 Check out the official event programme here: Festival Programm...

This isn’t just an episode — it’s a full-on foodie adventure. Join Donald as he takes you on a mouthwatering 20-minute tour of the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival, exploring the sights, smells, and tastes that make this Dorset’s cheesiest weekend of the year. In this episode, you’ll discover: The incredible cheese producers bringing everything from tangy Dorset Blue Vinney to creamy Bath Soft,...

From colourful canvases and sparkling jewellery to woodturning, incense, and even buzzing beehives – the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival is about so much more than cheese. In this special episode, host Donald takes you on a guided wander through the Arts & Crafts Village : ✨ Meet Dorset’s artists, illustrators, and photographers 💎 Discover handmade jewellery, crystals, and natural treasur...

Grab your wellies and your cheeseboards – Donald is back with a very special long-range weather forecast for the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival! From sunny spells of cheddar-scented breezes to light showers of cracker crumbs, we’re mapping out the full festival microclimate – including the Real Ale Tent high-pressure zone, a warm front of live music, and the occasional squall of applause drift...

In this festival-flavoured episode of Cheddar Chat , we’re turning up the volume and the anticipation! Donald gives you the latest scoop now that Early Bird tickets have closed and gate prices are in place—and then dives into the full music line-up for the 2025 Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival. From the funk and fire of All Funked Up to the piano mischief of Matt Black , the weekend is jam-packe...

Ever wondered why brie melts like a dream, blue cheese smells like feet (but tastes divine), or why we can’t stop sneaking “just one more slice”? In this deliciously nerdy episode, Donald dives into the science of cheese – breaking down what gives cheese its unique texture, taste, smell, and all-round irresistible appeal. From the role of bacteria and enzymes to the chemistry of meltability and wh...

In this extra-creamy episode, Donald takes you on a rich and fascinating journey through the history of cheese – from its mysterious (and slightly accidental) origins in the ancient world to its rise as a global food icon. Discover how cheese travelled from prehistoric pouches to Roman feasts, medieval monasteries, industrial factories, and finally to the artisan stalls we know and love today. Pac...

Music, brie, and a beat you can dance to – what more could you want? In this toe-tapping episode, Donald takes you through the full musical line-up for this year’s Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival! From funky Saturday night vibes to mellow Sunday melodies, get the lowdown on the acts making this year's festival sound as good as it tastes. 🧀🎶 🎸 Featuring: • Jason & The Alco-Noughts • Chris...

Did you know your cheese habit supports good causes? This episode shines a light on the unsung heroes of the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival – the charities, schools, and community groups that benefit from every ticket sold. Expect heartwarming stories, surprising stats, and a whole lot of local love. 🧀 Whether you're a hardcore cheese lover or just here for the chutney, this podcast is your p...

Your official audio guide to Dorset’s cheesiest weekend – the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival , taking place on the 13th & 14th of September 2025 ! Join your host Donald as he slices into what makes this legendary local event so special. Expect tasty tales, interviews with cheese lovers, festival previews, and just the right amount of dairy-based nonsense to get you in the mood. 🧀 Stay cur...