Every year, Brits celebrate Shrove Tuesday in a truly unique fashion. By running through the streets flipping pancakes. From London’s fancy-dress races to the historic Olney Pancake Race dating back to the 1400s, this tradition is an amusing yet competitive spectacle.
This year’s Pancake Day, celebrated on March 4, 2025, saw vibrant festivities across the UK. In London, the annual Inter-Livery Pancake Race took place at Guildhall Yard, where participants donned imaginative costumes, ranging from skyscrapers to beekeepers, and raced while flipping pancakes. Similarly, Scarborough hosted its traditional Pancake Day races, attracting teams eager to compete for the coveted golden frying pan.
A History of Pancake Racing
Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is the day before Lent begins. The tradition of racing with pancakes is said to have started in Olney in 1445 when a housewife, hearing the church bells, dashed to the service while still holding her frying pan. Today, the Olney Pancake Race remains one of the most famous, where women in aprons and headscarves sprint 415 yards while flipping pancakes.
London’s Quirky Inter-Livery Pancake Race
In London, the annual Inter-Livery Pancake Race takes place in Guildhall Yard, where participants, often dressed in elaborate costumes, compete while flipping pancakes. The event, attended by the Lord Mayor, is not just about speed but also style, as creativity in costume design is rewarded.
Other Unusual Pancake Races Across the UK
Beyond Olney and London, many towns across Britain hold their own pancake races. Some involve relay races, while others add obstacles or blindfolded participants to up the challenge. Schools, workplaces, and even MPs have been known to take part, making Pancake Day a fun-filled occasion for all ages.
With origins dating back centuries, the UK’s pancake races remain a cherished, if somewhat eccentric, part of British culture. Whether for charity, competition, or just a bit of a laugh, flipping pancakes while running continues to be a highlight of Shrove Tuesday.
