Minch Moo Street Party

Where the Cows Give Way for the Day

Minchinhampton Common is known for its free-roaming cattle. Every May, upwards of 400 cows are released from their winter fields onto the Common under an ancient grazing right, and they wander wherever they like, including into the town itself, right through until autumn. Every local driver knows to give way when a cow decides the road is hers. For one Saturday in September, the herd stays put on the Common and the High Street belongs to the town instead.

The road closes for the day, with live music running from noon to 5pm and the street filling with stalls and gatherings. At 3pm the afternoon's centrepiece takes over, the Minch Moo Relay Race, a longstanding local contest where teams race the length of the closed High Street while the rest of the town lines the route to cheer. The Crown runs an outdoor bar for the afternoon, and everyone's encouraged to bring their own picnic, table and chairs.

It's the kind of afternoon where half the town turns out just to watch the relay.

Saturday 12 September 2026 · Minchinhampton High Street, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire GL6 · Starts 12 noon