The iconic Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling event, a highlight of the county’s calendar held annually near Brockworth, has been officially declared ‘unsafe’ for 2025. Scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday, May 26, this adrenaline-fueled race down Coopers Hill involves participants chasing a rolling wheel of cheese, drawing thousands of spectators each year.
The Tewkesbury Borough Safety Advisory Group (SAG) has voiced deep concerns about public safety, particularly the potential for multiple serious injuries and how emergency services could effectively respond. While SAG does not seek to cancel the event outright, the lack of official organisation and safety planning puts it at risk.
Previous years have seen numerous injuries and medical emergencies requiring urgent paramedic intervention. Access for ambulances and rapid response teams to the crowded and steep hill has been severely hindered, complicating emergency response efforts.
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Such challenges place significant strain on Gloucestershire Constabulary, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, potentially affecting their ability to manage other emergencies.
Councillor Murray Stewart, Lead Member for Environmental Services at Tewkesbury Borough Council, commented: “Cheese Rolling at Cooper’s Hill is a unique and cherished tradition in Gloucestershire. However, without an official organiser to provide essential safety documentation and plans, the Safety Advisory Group has had no choice but to declare the event unsafe. We urge everyone intending to attend or participate to carefully weigh the personal risks involved.”
The SAG, comprising emergency services and other agencies, works to ensure public events maintain high safety standards through thorough planning. Despite repeated requests, no formal safety or traffic management plans have been submitted, which are crucial for managing the influx of spectators and ensuring emergency access.
With these unresolved safety issues, attendees face increased risks. Organisers and participants alike are urged to prioritize safety and cooperate with authorities as the event date approaches.