Cheese Rolling on Coopers Hill

When & Where The Cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire usually occurs on Whit Monday / last Monday in May every year. Cooper’s Hill Nature Reserve, Gloucestershire, England. The first race is at midday.

Gloucestershire Cheese Roll 2010 was almost CANCELLED ! as the crowds have grown to 15,000 people in 2009, Coopers Hill is not able to accommodate such numbers and hence the event in 2010 was in danger of not going ahead.

However in a crafty last minute move the festival went ahead with only a few hundred spectators thus preserving the ancient tradition..

In 2012 the cheese rolling festival will take place on Monday 4th June 2012

Why No one is quite sure where it came from. Some say it dates back to Roman times. Others suggest it relates to an ancient Pagan healing ritual.

Getting here Flights to Gloucestershire can be booked here or take the Great Western Train from London which you can book here

Accommodation There's quality hotels and cheap accommodation too available in Gloucestershire here.

Gloucestershire Cheese Chase

Decisions, decisions
1 If you want to Win or compete.
2 If you want to roll, tumble or run.
3 Where you want to start.

There are up to 5 races. Don’t go straight into a race if it’s your first year. Watch a race - learn where the bumps to be avoided are and where most people end up on the course. What sections if any injure people. It’s best to get a part of the Cooper’s Hill where there is less people and more space, as things can get crowded. Bring Knee pads, helmet, old tracksuits & a gum shield. Then await The Master of Ceremonies Countdown this will start the race.

Rolling Cheese Festival Champion

Festival Pig Fact Stephen Gyde is the ultimate champion winning 21 cheeses in 14 years. During the Second World War and until 1954 a wooden wheel with a tiny piece of cheese was used for the event. This was due to rationing. Ouch.

Plan your fun this year with our Festivals Calendar 2012

Festivals in May 2012

May 1st - 8th

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in USA

Contraband Days the Pirate Festival in Louisiana

City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival in Ireland

Louisburgh traditional Festival in Mayo, Ireland

Caravaca Festival in Spain

Hi Seoul Festival in Korea

Golden Week in Japan

Feria De San Marcos in mexico

Nimbin Mardi Grass in Nimbin, Australia

Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, Thailand

Cinco de Mayo in Mexico & USA

EuropaFest in Bucharest, Romania

Fleadh na gCuach in Galway, Ireland

The Camden Crawl in London, UK

The Italian Snake Festival

Europafest in Bucharest Romania

May 9th - 16th

Europafest in Bucharest Romania

EuropaFest in Bucharest, Romania

Pulilan Carabao in the Philippines

Contraband Days the Pirate Festival in Louisiana

Jerez Horse Fair in Spain

Gubbio Candle Race in Italy

May 17th - 23rd

Europafest in Bucharest Romania

EuropaFest in Bucharest, Romania

Bay to Breakers in San Fran, USA

Headless Chicken Days in Colorado, USA

Orlando Fringe Festival in Florida, USA - Exact dates TBC

Cannes film Festival in France

Prague Beer Festival

Romeria Del Rocio in Almonte Spain

May 24th - 31st

Prague Beer Festival

Rocklahoma Muisc Festival in Oklahoma USA

Sasquatch Music Festival in Washington, USA

Wakarusa Music Festival in Arkansas

Mountain Jam Festival in Upstate New York, USA

Cannes film Festival in France

Copenhagen Carnival in Denmark

Berlin Carneval in Germany

Cheese Rolling in Gloucester, UK Exact dates TBC

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