2019 Tradestand Winners Announced

Each year at Defender Burghley competition is hot amongst tradestand holders to win one of the coveted Best Tradestand awards.

Burghley Food Walk

This year's Burghley Food Walk winner, judged by Jon Culshaw and Josie Smith, was Dickinson & Morris of Melton Mowbray pork pie fame. Dickinson & Morris has been making and baking pork pies in Melton Mowbray since 1851 and is the oldest remaining baker of the authentic pie.

Managing Director, Stephen Hallam was delighted with the award: “We've been coming to Burghley for over 21 years and things have evolved so much since our first year, when we had a small marquee tucked away in a corner. We are a real meeting point for people, it's a superb location, with two open sides – although it can be like a wind tunnel, and if we have wind and rain the drops of water are like bullets.

“Burghley is the only show we do outside of Melton Mowbray and it really is the pinnacle of our year. It takes a huge amount of preparation, but is a real privilege to attend, and the staff – who normally work in the shop – love it. It might be a lot of effort, with 14 hours on site every day, but everything is so well managed, and the Burghley team's attention to detail is second to none. The whole shopping experience is huge here, we wouldn't miss it.”

Josie Smith who, along with Jon Culshaw, is a JET (Jon Egging Trust, Defender Burghley's official charity this year) Ambassador, commented: “It was everything, from the straw boaters worn by the staff, to the level of service and range of goods. We weren't just judging food quality, but overall branding, friendliness and motivation of the staff. We couldn't fault the team at Dickinson & Morris. Their stand was truly eye-catching and captured the imagination. I almost felt as though I was inside their shop.”

Best Pavilion tradestand

The Handmade Dog Collar Company (G12) scooped the prize in this category, judged by Candy Burnyeat, also winning the Best Overall Tradestand award.

Best Outside Stand Winner

The final top award, judged by Mr & Mrs Mike Cran, went to Friends of Joules (B4)