Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake
In real life Monday, May 31, 2027 (expected)
Competitors hurl themselves down a brutally steep hill after a rolling wheel of Double Gloucester. The first one down wins the cheese.
At the Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake near Brockworth, Gloucestershire, competitors chase a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a hill with a slope of about 50%. The first person to reach the bottom wins the cheese. The earliest written record of the event dates from 1836. It has been held on the Spring Bank Holiday since 1967, and the expected date for 2027 is Monday, May 31.
Since 2010 the event has run unofficially, without official organisers, after worries about crowd safety. Injuries happen every year, and six competitors went to hospital in 2023. It is for spectators who enjoy a gloriously eccentric English tradition, and for competitors who accept the risk.
🎟 Cost: Free (unofficial event)
🕒 When: Monday, May 31, 2027 (expected)
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ℹ️ Always held on the Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May), which falls on 31 May in 2027. It is an unofficial event with no organiser-published schedule.
What to expect
- Several downhill races: usually three for men and one for women (competitors 10 and over)
- Uphill races for children and adults
- A 3–4 kg wheel of Double Gloucester cheese in a wooden casing
- Steep, rough ground and frequent tumbles
Tips for going
- Arrive early. Crowds have far exceeded the hillside's capacity in the past.
- Wear sturdy footwear; even the spectator areas are on steep, uneven ground.
- Because the event is unofficial, check local news for confirmation and any access advice before travelling.
Questions people ask
When is it?
On the Spring Bank Holiday Monday, which falls on May 31 in 2027. Because the event is unofficial, no date is formally announced.
Is it official?
No. It has run unofficially since 2010, when formal organisation stopped over safety concerns.
Is it safe to watch?
The hill is very steep and injuries are common among competitors. Keep to safe viewing spots and follow any stewards' instructions.
About Cooper's Hill
Cooper's Hill, near Brockworth in Gloucestershire, is where people chase a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down an absurdly steep slope each spring.
Getting there: The real cheese rolling is traditionally held on the late-May Spring Bank Holiday. Check the organisers' notices, as it's run informally.
More about Cooper's Hill and its 3D version →
Details checked against en.wikipedia.org. Organizers change plans, so confirm there before you go.
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