Film-maker drawn to 'chaos' of cheese rolling event

A film-maker said he was drawn to the "chaos and tradition" of Gloucestershire's world-famous cheese rolling event.

Chris Thomas' award-winning Let's Roll, which follows a young woman entering the competition for the first time, has been shown at film festivals across Europe.

Mr Thomas was first inspired to make the movie after he competed in the extreme race.

"It brings an identity to the local community - people are really passionate about it," Mr Thomas said.

"There's obviously a bit of a chaos to it - people, of course, hurt themselves, and there's some sort of comedic aspect to that.

"But I think there's intrigue that people find within the the event itself.

"And of course, with the roll, it's a fairly unorganised event, but it's a tradition that's been going on for many years, and they try and keep it as authentic as it used to be."

Mr Thomas had not planned to compete in the race when he attended in 2016. However, he became "caught up in the excitement of the day".

"Unfortunately, I didn't catch the cheese, but I did make it down," he said.

"I definitely blacked out at some point, and all I remember is waking up in between some rugby player's legs."

Brockworth's cheese rolling competition returns on Monday 27 May, when dozens of competitors will chase a 7lb (3kg) Double Gloucester cheese wheel down the almost-vertical Coopers Hill.

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