Coopers Hill Cheese Rolling


A passion for cheese is not necessary for this event held on the second bank holiday in May each year, but it helps. Daredevils hurl themselves down the steep, grassy slopes of Coopers Hill in pursuit of a Double Gloucester cheese. There are four downhill races in total including one for the ladies. The race starts with the master of ceremonies rolling a 7- 8 lb (4kg) cheese down the hill. Dozens of competitors, who in the past have varied from Belgian international soccer players to Japanese TV stars and Gurkhas run, roll and somersault down the hill after it. […]