The ancient festival of cheese rolling

The ancient festival of cheese rolling

               

Each year thousands of spectators gather to watch the ancient sport of cheese rolling at Coopers Hill in Gloucestershire in the U K. No one knows the exact origins of the ritual but this spectacle reputedly dates back at least 200 years and possibly has its roots in Roman times.

A whole Double Gloucester cheese is hurled down the one-in-two gradient hill and competitors take part by chasing down after it, in an attempt to catch it. The first person down the hill wins the cheese! There are usually four men's races and also a women's and young competitors' race ably stage-managed by the master of ceremonies. Competition is fierce, but friendly, and some entrants are veterans having been involved with the race for many years. Injuries such as twisted ankles are commonplace but fortunately serious injuries are rare.

Spectators, entrants and the media travel from around the globe to marvel at this strange custom. The festival celebrates the return of spring.

However, cheese rolling is not limited to the Double Gloucester. For example, in the English village of Stilton, cheese rolling is an important part of their May Day celebrations