Cowbridge considers bull run

Cows would replace bulls if the idea gets the go-ahead

Bulls could be unleashed to run through the streets of Cowbridge, as part of celebrations to mark the 750th anniversary of the market town, it has been revealed.

The idea to stage an equivalent of the world-famous bull run in the Spanish town of Pamplona is being considered by the organisers of the festival.

If adopted, fences would be put down the side of the main street of Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, and cattle would be encouraged to chase "the young and energetic folk" through the town.

In July this year, an estimated one million people travelled to Pamplona and crowded into the city centre for the festival, which dates back to the 16th Century.

The anniversary celebrations in the market town are being organised by a specially-set up group called Cowbridge 750.

Cowbridge was granted its first charter on 13 March 1254, which established the town.

It is an intriguing idea, but cows are fairly slow - it may be a non-starter Mike Meredith, festival organiser

Events already planned to mark the date include a parade, street theatre and a food and wine festival.

The 'cow run' could draw more attention to the festival, but one of the organisers, Mike Meredith, said he was not sure if it would be "a runner".

"I think the notion is you would put fences down either side of the street and get the Jerseys and Friesans to chase after the young and energetic folk through the town," he said.

"But cows tend to have a herd instinct so there is always the chance they would stop and chew the cud."

He said the idea came from one of the candidates for the office of town crier.

"One of the chaps who is going to compete for the post, Simon Fowler, came up with the notion that while Pamplona has a bull run, why couldn't Cowbridge have a cow run?," he said.

"It is an intriguing idea, but cows are fairly slow - it may be a non-starter."