Snowdonia Cheese has supported this year’s historic Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, contributing three of its signature 2kg wheels – Beech Wood, Red Storm and Black Bomber – to help continue a tradition that stretches back more than three centuries.
The event marked the 333rd anniversary of cheesemakers donating cheese to Chelsea Pensioners and the 66th year since the ceremony was formally established. The custom dates to 1692, when Sir Christopher Wren invited local cheesemongers to provide cheese for the residents of the newly opened Royal Hospital. What began as an informal act of generosity has grown into a cherished annual celebration, now coordinated by Dairy UK.
This year, British dairy producers donated approximately 340kg (750lbs) of cheese to the Royal Hospital, supporting veterans who call the historic site home. Among the pensioners taking part in the ceremony were Keith Pendleton BEM and Peter Rowlands, who were photographed proudly holding Snowdonia Cheese truckles.
Chelsea Pensioner Andy Kay, aged 75, performed the ceremonial cutting of the Montgomery Cheddar – a central tradition that has remained unchanged since 1692. Guests at the event also enjoyed vintage ale donated by Asahi UK and Fuller’s Griffin Brewery, while Strictly Come Dancing stars Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone provided entertainment with an Argentine tango performance.
