The Orchard and Cider Group – always the most popular part of the Bath & West Show – has received a record-breaking number of entries in this year’s international cider competition – the biggest in the world.

Cider has never been so popular with the general public Cider has never been more popular with consumers and there are now more than 400 active cider makers in the UK – more than double the number from a decade ago and, with news that Welsh producers of cider took first prize at the Reading Beer and Cider Festival, this will be an opportunity for the artisan cidermakers of the drink’s traditional homeland of Somerset and Herefordshire to challenge for the title of Supreme Cider Champion.

Last year 498 entries including 31 international competitors; this year, 530 products have been entered including 44 international ciders and perries. The Rt Hon the Lord King of Bridgwater leads a panel of well respected judges including Nick Bradstock, John Thatcher and Julian Temperley.