With a record-breaking 503 entries, the British Cider Championships 2023 is set to be an exceptional celebration of British cider and perry.

The renowned event will be taking place from June 1-3 at the Royal Bath and West Show and this surge in participation, the first in four years to exceed 500 entries, symbolises a powerful resurgence in both the traditional and craft sectors of the British cider industry, which have proven resilient in the face of the Covid pandemic and the subsequent cost of living crisis.

Noted for being the premier cider competition in Britain, and potentially the largest in Europe, the British Cider Championships attracts cider aficionados from every corner of the UK, from the rustic landscapes of Scotland to the rolling hills of Northern Ireland. The West of England, steeped in a rich cider-making tradition, naturally makes a strong showing in the entries.

These entries will be meticulously evaluated by a panel of esteemed cider-makers, guided by the expertise of Master of Cider and Orchards, and Cider Chief Steward, Bob Chaplin. The pinnacle of this event is the presentation of the revered Rupert Best Trophy to the producer of the Supreme Champion British Cider.

Mr Chaplin said: "Seeing entries exceed 500 again is truly heartening. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the economic climate, cider-makers have shown their resilience. The impressive quality of last year's cider apple harvest further boosts our expectations of not only the quantity but also the quality of entries. The ciders and perries competing in our Championships embody the highest standards, made from the purest juice of home-grown fruit."

The comprehensive judging of the British Cider Championships will occur on the Thursday and Friday mornings of the Royal Bath and West Show and the awards will be presented at a grand ceremony at 3 pm on Friday, June 2.

But the Championships aren't just about competition. The Orchards and Cider Pavilion also boasts a vast array of the finest West Country ciders for sale at the South West of England Cider-Makers (SWECA) bar. In addition, visitors can partake in the ever-popular People's Choice feature, where they have the opportunity to sample and rate a selection of award-winning ciders from past years.

This is more than a competition – it's a celebration of Britain's enduring cider heritage.