Coopers Hill cheese rolling race to take place this summer
Posted on: 28 Mar 2022Watch this year's cohort of cheese chasers fly down a steep incline in pursuit of the coveted dairy wheel.
Coopers Hill cheese rolling, near Birdlip, Gloucestershire, will once again see participants risk harm for personal glory and a Double Gloucester cheese this summer.
The event - an ancient local tradition believed to pre-date Roman Britain - will return to the eponymous slope on Sunday 5 June 2022.
Whilst the race usually takes place on the second bank holiday of May, the Queen's Jubilee means that this year's edition has been pushed back. Follow the event's Facebook page for updates.
Where participants once chased a 9lb wheel of Double Gloucester cheese traveling at speeds of up to 70mph down Coopers Hill, they now attempt to follow a foam replica for safety reasons.
The genesis of this event remains shrouded in mystery, with some stating it started as a way to claim grazing rights. Others believe that the chase began as an ancient fertility ritual.
Though it was first a contest for Brockworth locals only, the race is now open to all, with competitors from all over the world coming to the South West to take part.
Previous winners have come from Australia, New Zealand, Nepal, and the United States, alongside a long list of local champions.
Visit the event's Facebook page to keep up to date with announcements.
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George is a journalism graduate and writer passionate about music and culture. Get in touch via email at george@365bristol.com
