The iconic Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling event for 2025 is set to take place on the late Bank Holiday, May 26, at Coopers Hill near Brockworth. This daring, unofficial tradition involves rolling a nine-pound Double Gloucester cheese wheel down a steep hill, with participants sprinting after it in a wild race to catch the cheese first and be crowned champion.
Famous for its chaotic and thrilling nature, the event draws thousands of spectators and participants from around the globe, all eager to witness or join the adrenaline-fueled races down the notoriously steep and slippery hill.
Though unofficial, the event is steeped in history, with origins possibly linked to ancient pagan festivals celebrating the arrival of spring. Despite the excitement, local emergency services advise caution—injuries such as bruises and broken bones have occurred in past races. Competitors take part at their own risk.
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In recent years, Cheese Rolling’s status has gained increased recognition. It’s among several unique UK traditions being considered for official heritage protection on the newly proposed Inventory of Living Heritage. Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross praised the event for its cultural significance, affirming the government’s commitment to preserving such remarkable folk customs.
After a 2010 official cancellation due to safety concerns and large crowds, the event resumed unofficially, with organizers returning to using authentic cheese wheels. This year, four cheeses weighing around 3kg each and three smaller ones of approximately 1.5kg will be used, crafted by long-time local cheese-maker Rod Smart. The race course covers roughly 200 yards down Coopers Hill’s steep 1:2 gradient.
Competitors from all over the world continue to participate, from Europe to the United States, with many sharing their experiences. Last year, German winner Tom Kopke described his chaotic descent as an exhilarating blur, while Australian victor Dylan Twiss expressed surprise at his win. Abby Lampe from North Carolina defended her women’s title with grit, taking home a Double Gloucester cheese once again.
Local authorities prepare extensively for the event, closing roads up to two and a half miles around the hill to accommodate vast crowds and ensure safety. Despite its unofficial status, Cheese Rolling remains a unique spectacle blending tradition, adrenaline, and community spirit, cementing Gloucestershire’s place on the global stage every May.