Multi-agency statement ahead of Gloucester cheese rolling event
Posted on: 12 May 2026
The Tewkesbury Borough Safety Advisory Group (SAG) has reiterated concerns about public safety ahead of the annual cheese rolling event on Cooper’s Hill.
A particular concern for the group is how emergency services would be able to respond if there was a major incident involving multiple casualties.
The event, taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May, is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the hill, which is near Brockworth. While the cheese rolling is a long-standing tradition, rooted in the county’s identity and heritage, the event does not have an official organiser.
Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environmental Services, Councillor Murray Stewart, said “The cheese rolling at Cooper’s Hill is a unique tradition in our county and we have no desire to stop it. However, without an official organiser, no formal safety plans have been put in place to detail how members of the public will be protected.
“Without this information, the Safety Advisory Group has been left with no alternative but to declare the event unsafe and share this position with the public.
“We strongly encourage anyone planning to attend or participate, to carefully consider the risks they might be putting themselves in.”
The SAG brings together agencies, including emergency services, to promote public safety and welfare at events by giving advice and guidance.
Members have asked for additional information to help them understand the plans for the event and how issues around traffic and parking on the day will be dealt with, which is standard for public events. However, without an official organiser, the relevant documentation and plans detailing how they will keep members of the public safe, have not been submitted to the council.
At previous cheese rolling events, several people have suffered medical episodes and injuries which required emergency treatment by paramedics. Double-crewed ambulances and rapid response vehicles struggled to gain access to the site for a prolonged period of time.
This puts a strain on the resources of both Gloucestershire Constabulary and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, impacting emergency service provision.
