William Eichler 12 May 2026

Safety chiefs declare iconic Gloucester cheese rolling event ‘unsafe’

Safety chiefs declare iconic Gloucester cheese rolling event ‘unsafe’ image
The iconic Gloucester cheese rolling event © ComposedPix / Shutterstock.com

Authorities have declared an annual cheese rolling event unsafe ahead of this month's Bank Holiday gathering, warning that the lack of an official organiser leaves thousands of visitors without formal safety protection.

The Tewkesbury Borough Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes police, ambulance and fire services, said no safety plans, traffic management or parking arrangements have been submitted ahead of the event on 26 May.

Officials are particularly concerned about emergency service access, having previously seen double-crewed ambulances and rapid response vehicles unable to reach the site for prolonged periods following injuries and medical episodes.

Cllr Murray Stewart said the authority had ‘no desire to stop’ the long-standing Gloucestershire tradition, but warned the public to ‘carefully consider the risks’ of attending or participating.

The cheese rolling, which attracts thousands to Cooper’s Hill near Brockworth, has no formal organiser, meaning standard safety documentation required for public events has not been provided.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Specialist Senior Educational Psychologists

North Yorkshire Council
£59,846 to £65,929 per annum
North Yorkshire Council is seeking two Specialist Senior Educational Psychologists to lead the development Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Environmental Health Manager

Essex County Council
£49435.14 - £54930.60 per annum
Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Environmental Health Manager (Protection & Housin England, Essex, Maldon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Environmental Health Officer - Maldon District Council

Essex County Council
£43330.3600 - £48825.8100 per annum
Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Environmental Health Officer, a full time positio England, Essex, Maldon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Vocational Trainer - ESOL

Essex County Council
Up to £34668.00 per annum + + 35 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Vocational Trainer - ESOLPermanent, Full Time£34,668 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Registered Building Inspector

Isle of Wight Council
Grade 13, £51,237 to £54,947 per annum
We are looking for a motivated and experienced Class 2F (or higher) Registered Building Inspector (RBI) Newport, Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council
Linkedin Banner