Gloucestershire cheese rolling could be added to UK heritage list

An annual cheese rolling event could be officially recognised and protected if it is added to a new heritage list.

Gloucestershire’s cheese rolling race on Cooper’s Hill near Brockworth attracts competitors and spectators from around the world every year. The tradition sees competitors chase a 7lb (3kg) wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep hill.

The government will soon be seeking submissions from members of the public to nominate their favourite traditions that best reflect the nation, which will be recorded in the new Inventory of Living Heritage in the UK.

Heritage minister Baroness Twycross said: “The UK is rich with wonderful traditions.”

The UK-wide inventory aims to start a conversation, raise awareness and keep track of the crafts, customs and celebrations that are valued across the country.

Nominations will be separated into seven categories including performing arts, crafts and social practices such as festivals and customs.

Sports and games will also have a category, along with oral expressions like poetry and storytelling.

Other traditions in the county like surfing the Severn Bore or Woolsack Races in Tetbury could be submitted for the list.

The government will work with the devolved governments to create the list and will consider submissions from across the UK.

It comes after the UK signed the 2003 Unesco Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Culture Heritage, which requires member states to compile an inventory of living heritage practised by communities in each country.