The iconic cheese rolling competition held annually at Cooper’s Hill near Brockworth, Gloucestershire, has been officially declared unsafe by the Tewkesbury Borough Safety Advisory Group. Despite its 200-year history and cultural significance, the event lacks a formal organizer and essential safety protocols to protect participants and spectators.
Each year, the event attracts thousands of attendees who watch daring competitors chase a rolling cheese wheel down the steep hill—a spectacle fraught with risk. Classified as an extreme sport, the event’s challenging terrain contributes to frequent injuries, necessitating substantial emergency response efforts.
Concerns have intensified over the absence of a designated organizer responsible for coordinating safety measures. The Safety Advisory Group has highlighted the difficulty emergency services would face in managing a major incident, particularly with no submitted plans addressing public protection, crowd control, or traffic management.
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This year’s cheese rolling is scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday, May 25. Councillor Murray Stewart, lead member for environmental services at Tewkesbury Borough Council, emphasized the event’s cultural importance but warned of the inherent dangers. “While we cherish this unique Gloucestershire tradition, the lack of official safety arrangements leaves us no choice but to declare the event unsafe,” he stated. “We strongly urge all participants and spectators to carefully weigh the risks involved.”
Historically, the event has seen multiple injuries requiring urgent medical attention, often complicating access for ambulances and emergency responders. This situation places added pressure on Gloucestershire Constabulary, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, potentially affecting their capacity to respond to other emergencies in the area.
Without an official organizer to submit comprehensive safety documentation and emergency plans, the council and safety agencies remain unable to guarantee the well-being of those involved. Attendees are advised to exercise caution and prioritize personal safety if choosing to participate or observe the event.