The history of the Coopers Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake, which takes place every Spring Bank Holiday, is unclear. Some historians believe that the event predates the Romans, others link the event to pre-Christian festival which celebrates the return of spring and others believe it is associated with fertility rights. Coopers Hill itself has the remains of a 200-acre Iron Age hill fort which proves that the spot has been inhabited for thousand of years.

Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling

The first written reference comes from 1836 when the city crier of Gloucester announced the event. The event was banned for a few years during the reign of Queen Victoria on grounds of excessive rowdiness, but it came back and not even the second world war stopped crowds from gathering on Cooper's Hill, although in chase of only a wooden replica.

Today an organising committee of local residents and volunteer helpers oversee the event. A Master of Ceremony who wears the traditional white smock coat of a Cotswold shepherd, a top hat decorated with ribbons and carries a wooden staff always presides over the ceremony.

CHEESE ROLLING 2008
26 May 2008, 12:00

The actual course is only about 200 yards long, but it is very steep. The gradient is 1 in 2 for most of the course but it is 1 in 1 in places. There are 4 downhill races (3 races for men, 1 race for women) and 3 uphill races. The uphill categories are as follows: a) boys under 12, b) girls under 12, and c) open to all comers. Maximum of 15 runners can enter each race.

The Master of Ceremonies starts each of the 4 downhill races. He welcomes the guest who has the honour of releasing the round of cheese. After he says: "One to be ready, two to be steady, three to prepare (cheese is launched), four to be off." the runners leap forward in chase of the cheese. The first participant to reach the bottom of the hill wins the 7 pound round of cheese.

There is no need to apply beforehand, just turn up on the day and you can enroll in the race. As the event can be oversubscribed please arrive early to ensure your place in the race. The entry is free, but there is £5 parking charge to cover the cost of the event.