Cheese Rolling takes place every year in Gloucestershire, England. It’s a super fun event that starts with a cheese-rolling contest and culminates in a giant cheese chase!
The actual origin of cheese rolling is unknown, however, it is said to have begun in the early 1800s. Some believe the custom dates back to the ancient Romans, who had a fort atop Cooper’s Hill and are credited with being the first to send things hurtling down its steep hill. The technique is thought to have its origins in pagan ceremonies. To this day, people still chase cheeses through the steep hills of Gloucester, England.
This is probably one of the most bizarre (yet awesome) events you can choose to attend. If it’s on your “to-do” list, here are 10 reasons why you you go to the World’s biggest cheese rolling event.
#1: Cheese Rolling Fun!
Cheese rolling is one of the most hysterical events in the world, and it proves just how great Gloucestershire is. Gloucester has a lot of beautiful scenery, but cheese rolling is what makes the area truly special. This event brings people together and is a great way to meet new people.
Cheese rolling is not only fun, but it’s also a great workout. It’s a good way to get out of your comfort zone and see what you’re made of. The main thing you need to participate in cheese rolling is determination, running skills, and a lot of flexibility!
#2 Cheese Rolling is the Main Event in Gloucester’s Calendar
The annual festival of Gloucester, England, is known as Cheese Rolling. It’s one of the strangest festivals on Earth and has become a huge tourist attraction.
This spectacular event takes place on a steep hill, called Cooper’s Hill. The competitors are people who are willing to chase an eight-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down the hill for over 900 meters (3,000 feet) in under 60 seconds. The wheel of cheese is about 9 pounds and released at the top of the hill, with racers taking off to catch it. Although it is unlikely that any of the racers actually catch up with the cheese, the first person to cross the finish line wins.
Due to the fact that 33 individuals were hurt in 1997, the 1998 event was canceled. The same thing happened in 2010. The event was canceled, causing tremendous controversy. Since then, the event has been held with more safety precautions for observers, although it would not be the same event if no participants were wounded. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling Festival event has been canceled again for 2020 & 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
#3 Fun For the Whole Family
Grab your friends and family and come on over for a day full of wacky activity, good food, and the opportunity to celebrate the good life.
The event is held in a field where you can watch people chase an 8-pound wheel of double Gloucester cheese down a steep hill. It’s typically done by running or tumbling (yes, we said tumbling) after the cheese.
If you’re not one to chase a cheese down a hill, then you can check out the other events going on at this fun event: crafts fairs, fashions shows, historical reenactments, live music, English folk dancing—and of course, an all-you-can-eat buffet.
#4 Visit Unique Cheese Shops, Art Galleries, Food Stalls, Craft Breweries, and Pubs
In case you had any doubt as to whether or not to attend this multi-day festival, imagine: you’ll have the chance to taste new cheeses; sample local and national beers; view art that might inspire your next masterpiece, and purchase cheese-making supplies. That sounds like fun!
How does it all make sense? Well, it has something to do with this local delicacy called “cheese in a tube.” It’s basically cheese that comes out of a tube. You can buy it at any of the shops or stalls in town. But we’re not sure why you’d want to eat it—it just tastes like sour cream. No one seems to know how it originated, but we think someone was just really bored on a Saturday afternoon!
If you love beer and wine, there are special events happening at craft breweries and wineries so that you can try products from all over the world. If you love art, galleries in the area will be selling work from local artists. And for those with a sweet tooth, there are food stalls that serve everything from savory barbecued meats to fudge brownie sundaes to gourmet desserts. Plus, the whole region is full of shops that sell everything from antiques to handmade artisan goods. So come on out for this once-a-year festival!
#5 It’s a Great Day out for all the Family
It is a day out for the entire family, and it’s the only place in the world where you can be entertained by men and women chasing a piece of cheese down a hill.
The event has been held at least since 1803 and has been growing steadily in popularity over recent years. The festival takes place over one day—the last Monday of May—and includes other activities like cheese rolling competitions for kids and families, traditional Gloucestershire food, live music, and local arts and crafts.
If you’re planning on going to the cheese rolling event this year, you’ll want to get there on time: The first event begins at 12 p.m., so get there early, like 10 a.m.
#6 See First-Hand How the Local Cheesemakers Produce Their Award-Winning Cheese
If you ever find yourself in Gloucester, England and at the annual Cheese Rolling Festival, make sure to stop by the local cheese producer. The cheesemakers will be on-site, to give you a first-hand look at how they produce their award-winning cheese. They’re also giving out samples of their famous cheese, so you can try it for yourself!
You can also purchase local produce such as honey, grass-fed beef, free-range pork, scotch eggs with fennel, or other exotic food products you won’t find anywhere else! In fact, anything you want. Including locally produced gin as well as handmade paints, just go to a local art gallery or shop.
#7 It Promises to be Crazy, Fun, and WILD!
The sky is the limit! Literally though, according to the organizers of the annual cheese rolling festival in Gloucester, England. Regardless if you’re a first-time attendee or a regular, cheese rolling will be just as wild as the previous years.
Mark your calendars: the most dangerous and thrilling event in the UK is returning to town after being canceled for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you think this looks like fun, you may be right. However, it is not for the faint-hearted and only for those that dare! It will also make a great first story to tell at the pub when you come back home.
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