Cheese Rolling 2023 put six in hospital as ‘organisers’ told to plan …
Authorities in Gloucestershire[1] are asking the unofficial organisers behind the unofficial Cheese Rolling[2] event to step forward with “detailed plans” to prevent future injuries after six people were taken to hospital following this year’s event. The Bank Holiday Monday (May 29) spectacular saw thousands in attendance with some coming from around the world[3] to see and take part in Gloucestershire’s strangest tradition.
During the hazardous activity, which saw the winner of the women’s downhill race stretchered off after crossing the finishing line, the authorities say people suffered “medical episodes and injuries”. This included broken ankles, a broken leg, a suspected seizure, concussions and breathing difficulties after competitors ran down Coopers Hill in Brockworth.[4][5]
As the centuries-old event remains unofficial, emergency services were not in immediate attendance but were on standby when the event got underway. Due to the location of the Cheese Rolling, when reports of serious injuries[6] came in, doubled-crewed ambulances had to receive a police escort to gain access to the site.
The Tewkesbury Borough Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which advises on safety at events, has asked those organising it in future to step forward with detailed plans to help prevent similar issues in future years.
The Tewkesbury SAG said the event “put a strain on the resources of both Gloucestershire Constabulary and South West Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust for a considerable time.”
The agencies say that they have no desire or power to stop the cheese rolling event being run and look forward to working with event organisers in the future to better understand and support their plans. Meanwhile, Police, Fire and Ambulance services will continue to not attend the event, though they will respond to any emergencies.
References
- ^ Gloucestershire (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Cheese Rolling (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ around the world (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ stretchered off (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Brockworth. (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ serious injuries (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Gloucester funfair, fireworks and live music festival set to make a big bang this summer (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)