Gloucestershire wacky events guide

From the mildly bizarre to the downright daft, get the low-down on the county’s craziest conventions with SoGlos.com’s definitive guide to the 10 wackiest events in Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire is home to a bevy of outlandish events to raise a smile – and possibly an eyebrow. Whether it’s the internationally renowned Cheese Rolling that captures your imagination or you fancy the chance to take part in a spot of shin-kicking, or perhaps it’s the peculiarly-named Pig Face Day that has piqued your interest.

From the brave to the barmy, peruse SoGlos.com’s guide to Gloucestershire’s 10 most wacky events, and find out just when the next madcap mayhem will be making it’s mark.

Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling

When: Traditionally on the last bank holiday Monday in May
Expect to find: Perhaps the most famous of Gloucestershire’s wacky traditions, the annual cheese rolling competition at Cooper’s Hill sees hundreds of locals pegging it down a very steep slope after an elusive 8lb Double Gloucester cheese. Attracting spectators from near and far, the event has gained recognition across the globe and even inspired a New Zealand version.
SoGlos.com loves: The colourful collection of fancy dress sported by competitors each year – with everything from superheroes and farmyard animals to Borat-style mankinis providing inspiration.
For more info: See Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling.

Bourton Football in the River

When: Annually on the last Bank holiday Monday in August
Expect to find: In the River Windrush every August you’ll find a gaggle of goal-scoring geezers from Bourton Rovers Football Club playing a laugh-a-minute game of football while immersed up to their knees in freezing water – all angling for glory in this 100-year old competition.
SoGlos.com loves: That the soaking wet silliness is all part of the community spirit in Bourton-on-the-Water, with charitable donations, a fete and duck racing all raising money on the day.
For more info: See Bourton Football in the River.

The Severn Bore

When: Throughout the year
Expect to find: Surf dudes aplenty, all riding the epic Atlantic wave of water that forces its way up the Severn Estuary at speeds of up to 20mph, with hordes of spectators all flocking to the river banks to witness the natural phenomenon.
SoGlos.com loves: The River Severn has the second largest tidal range in the world, so the bore can reach anything up to two metres in height – great news for sports enthusiasts who fancy a change from Newquay.
For more info: See The Severn Bore.

Cotswold Olimpick Games

When: Annually in June
Expect to find: At Dover’s Hill in Chipping Campden each summer you’ll find a host of unusual athletic events, a tug o’ war tussle and fairground – not to mention the legendary (and slightly savage) British Shin Kicking Championships.
SoGlos.com loves: Thousands of people gathering for the torchlight procession and bonfire, lit by the Scuttlebrook Queen – a sight to behold.
For more info: See Robert Dover’s Cotswold Olimpick Games.

Newent Onion Fayre

When: Annually in September
Expect to find: Hundreds of people all crying (with laughter usually) in unison, in celebration of the glorious, humble onion. This totally unique Forest of Dean event takes in a generous dollop of music, lots of local produce (including onions of course) and family fun – indisputably an event of many layers…
SoGlos.com loves: The world-famous raw onion-eating competition is a particular highlight, giving competitive types something to get their teeth into.
For more info: See Newent Onion Fayre.

Tetbury Woolsack Races

When: Annually on the last bank holiday Monday in May
Expect to find: An unruly bunch of rugged runners taking on the steep ‘1 in 4’ hill through Tetbury town with a weighty 60lb (for the gents) or 35lb (for the ladies) woolsack slung on their back.
SoGlos.com loves: While the races are thought to have originated in the 17th century, the bank holiday shenanigans have become an official draw to Tetbury for more than 30 years, with the chance for competitors to snag a world record, no less.
For more info: See Tetbury Woolsack Races

Pig Face Day

When: Every two years in September
Expect to find: Officially known as the Avening Feast and Queen Matilda’s Pageant, Pig Face Day sees villagers attending evensong at Avening’s Church of the Holy Cross before devouring a slap-up hog roast in the village hall. Held every two years in honour of Queen Matilda, wife to William the Conqueror, and who consecrated the church in 1080 – famously rewarding the builders with a feast of boar’s head or Pig’s Face.
SoGlos.com loves: A boar’s head is now symbolically paraded through the village in a torchlight procession lead by the Queen, with locals donning mediaeval costume to truly get into the spirit.
For more info: Unavailable

Bibury Duck Race

When: Annually on Boxing Day
Expect to find: Residents and tourists alike flock to Bibury, complete with bobble hats, gloves and scarves, to brave the bitter Boxing Day cold to scoff mince pies, glug mulled wine and shout words of support to a flock of rubber ducks released onto the River Coln.
SoGlos.com loves: As each duck is sponsored, the person whose duck emerges victorious is afforded the opportunity of a little Christmas philanthropy – being allowed to choose which charity the sponsor money will go to.
For more info: See Bibury Duck Race.

Sandford Parks Lido Christmas Swim

When: Annually on Christmas Day
Expect to find: F-f-f-freezing cold festive frolics as those looking to add a crazy twist to their Christmas celebrations brave the unheated icy December depths and take the plunge at Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham – sometimes in fancy dress, too!
SoGlos.com loves: The peculiar pastime is believed to have taken off after American servicemen boldly opted for a Christmas day wash during World War II, and now is seen as annual challenge for many of the seasonal swimmers.
For more info: See Sandford Parks Lido Christmas Swim.

Gloucester Ghost Walks

When: All year round, usually on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Expect to find: Local legend Lyn Cinderey taking groups on a spooky journey through the dark narrow alleys of Gloucester, descending into a dark underground area known as the Deep Six, on the lookout for paranormal proceedings. Ghost hunters meet at the city Tourist Information Centre before taking in venues such as Robert Raikes House, Gloucester Cathedral and The Cross Keys Inn.
SoGlos.com loves: The very brave can also sign up for an overnight paranormal investigation with Lyn at the Gothic Woodchester Mansion, where things are reputed to go bump in the night.
For more info: Call Gloucester Tourist Information Centre on (01452) 396572.

Amanda Nicholls