Despite the event being cancelled for the second year running, a Double Gloucester cheese was rolled down Coopers Hill at sunrise today.
The daunting view from the top of Coopers Hill that would normally greet competitors in the annual cheese rolling competition. Picture by Simon Pizzey.
Covid restrictions prevented competitors and and spectators from around the world packing the near-vertical hill near Gloucester. The event, which in recent years has taken place on Spring Bank Holiday, sees racers chase the cheese down a 200-yard course in Brockworth.
Master of Ceremonies Jem Wakeman. Picture by Simon Pizzey.
Master of Ceremonies Jem Wakeman launched the Double Gloucester, made by Smarts Traditional Gloucester Cheeses of Churcham, shortly after sunrise to keep the tradition alive.
The world-famous event was cancelled for the second year running, due to Covid restrictions. Picture by Simon Pizzey.
The event was paid tribute to local farmer David Hardwick who died last year. Jem said: “We will definitely be back next year, this can’t go on.”
Gloucestershire’s world-famous Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill was cancelled for the second year in a row due to Covid restrictions. Master of Ceremonies Jem Wakeman (53) rose at 5 am to greet the sunrise and roll a ceremonial Double Gloucester cheese, made by Smarts of Churcham, down the hill in memory of local farmer David Hardwick. Jem said: “We will definitely be back next year, this can’t go on.” Picture by Simon Pizzey.
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