Cheese wheels used during a popular rolling festival have managed to survive the hot and sticky temperatures reached on the day.
The Stilton Cheese Rolling Festival was held on Sunday in the Cambridgeshire village of the same name.
First held in the 1950s, the competition normally sees individuals roll a circular wooden log, cut like a wheel of cheese, along the course – but this year real cheese was used, and it survived the heatwave.
Sara Dunleavy, who helped organise the event, said the cheese was distributed to attendees after the rolling and it was “very tasty”.
“I think this is where I’m going wrong… I normally have it straight out of the fridge, but if you have it at room temperature it seems more creamy and I think you get more flavour,” she joked.
“But then it could start to hum a bit.”
She added: “We managed to dish it out afterwards. Lots of people had crackers and said how delicious it was.
“I think it’s going to be a game-changer.”
This year’s theme was the Wild West.
“It was amazing. We had such a brilliant turnout,” Dunleavy said.
The tradition was started by four publicans who were thinking of new ways to generate income after the village of Stilton was bypassed by the A1 in 1959.
The festival was cancelled in 2018 with organisers citing rising costs and the perception it was no longer seen as being “cool”, but it returned in 2024.
Dunleavy said the committee would look into whether wheels of cheese would be used again next year.
“We want to keep this tradition going because, in this day and age, traditions are hard to keep going,” she continued.
“I was the first Stilton May Queen back in 1988 and I got so much confidence, enjoyment and wonderful memories.
“I want to pass that on to the future generation and I think if people do that more, give back, the world will be a better place.”
Originally published by bbc.co.uk on the 25th May 2026. SOURCE
Author: Kizzy Allott
Kizzy Allott is Publisher at Event Industry News, where she has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. With a deep understanding of the events sector and a passion for storytelling, Kizzy leads the platform’s commercial and content strategy, connecting the industry through news, insights, and meaningful conversations. She is dedicated to championing innovation, amplifying industry voices, and ensuring event professionals stay informed, inspired, and future-focused.
