UK’s wackiest race could become a protected cultural treasure
- An eccentric and beloved British tradition
- Cheese chasing
- Good old fashioned fun
- A very old tradition
- Will it be included in the UK's Inventory of Living Heritage?
- An initiative to celebrate British culture
- The public can nominate customs
- From cheese rolling to Welsh spoons, the UK is full of heritage
- Nominate the traditions you value
- Submissions from across the UK will be accepted
- Traditions from immigrant communities are also welcome
An eccentric and beloved British tradition

One of the UK's most eccentric and beloved traditions—the annual cheese rolling race on Cooper's Hill near Brockworth, Gloucestershire—could soon be officially recognized and protected as part of a new national heritage initiative, as reported by the BBC.
Cheese chasing

Held every spring, this wacky event draws hundreds of spectators and daring competitors from around the world, all eager to chase a 7lb (3kg) wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down an incredibly steep and often treacherous slope.
Good old fashioned fun

Though chaotic and unpredictable, the race has become a symbol of community spirit, endurance, and good humour.
A very old tradition

The race has been celebrated for centuries and is thought to have its roots in a heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring.
Will it be included in the UK's Inventory of Living Heritage?

According to The Standard, the centuries-old tradition may now be formally preserved for future generations through its inclusion in the UK government's newly announced Inventory of Living Heritage.
An initiative to celebrate British culture

This initiative aims to celebrate and safeguard cultural practices that shape the national identity.
The public can nominate customs

As part of the process, the government will soon invite members of the public to nominate customs and traditions they feel best reflect the character and heritage of the UK.
From cheese rolling to Welsh spoons, the UK is full of heritage

Per The Standard Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said: "The UK is rich with wonderful traditions, from Gloucestershire's cheese rolling to folk music and dancing and the many heritage crafts that we practise, such as tartan weaving and carving Welsh love spoons."
Nominate the traditions you value

She added, "I would encourage everyone to think about what traditions they value so that we can continue to celebrate them, tell our national story to the rest of the world and safeguard the traditions that make us who we are."
Submissions from across the UK will be accepted

The government will collaborate with the devolved administrations to create the new inventory, taking into account submissions from communities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Traditions from immigrant communities are also welcome

The list will also reflect traditions introduced to the UK by immigrant communities, recognising the rich cultural diversity that shapes the nation’s living heritage.