Shrovetide Pancake Races

Published: 25 February 2020

Lichfield celebrated Shrove Tuesday with hotly contested pancake races in the city centre. Keen entrants gathered in Bore Street for the time-honoured event at noon determined to put in a “pan-tastic” performance. The heavens opened just as the races were announced by our exuberant town crier Ken Knowles, in the presence of Lichfield Mayor, Cllr Deborah Baker, Mayor’s Consort, Dr Steve Baker, Sheriff of Lichfield, Dr Daryl Brown and The Chairman of Lichfield District Council, Cllr Joseph Powell and his Lady Mrs Jean Powell.

The weather did not stop play and there were plenty of willing entrants necessitating four ladies’ heats, one man’s race, one under 10’s race and one mascots race. Each race saw entrants run along Bore Street towards the Guildhall, flipping their pancake once at the start and again shortly before the finish line.

The winner of the ladies final was Lucy Holt who works for Juniper Training, she will now have her name etched upon the special golden pancake day trophy. Lucy also won a £20 Lunch at Loafers voucher.

The winner of the men’s race was Andrew Smith, a Lichfield City and Lichfield District Councillor. Andrew won a £30 Meal for Two voucher for The Horse & Jockey, Sandford Street.

The winner of the children’s race was Alfie Coleman, aged 6 retaining his title. Alfie was presented with a certificate, a medal and a £15 Entertainer voucher. Well done Alfie!

Victorious in the mascots race was Gareth Thomas, of Jayman Lettings who ran dressed as a dog. He scooped a £50 voucher from City Jewellers.

Following the races, the Civic party made its way to the Market Square where the Mayor opened the Shrovetide fair and children enjoyed a free ride.

The pancake races were organised by Lichfield City Council who would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring this year’s prizes, City Jewellers, Lunch at Loafers, The Entertainer, and The Horse and Jockey Pub.

The City Council would also like to thank the following local businesses and charities for supporting this year’s races; Keelys LLP, The Entertainer, Jayman Lettings, The George Hotel, Lichfield District Tourism Association, Chattings Lettings, Citylife Magazine, Beatbox Studios, Place of Welcome at Lichfield Library, Juniper Training St. Giles Hospice, Lichfield Greenhill Bower and Darwin Court Care Home.

Pancake Race Winners 2020

MENS RACE - Cllr Andrew Smith

LADIES RACE - Lucy Holt, Juniper Training

CHILDREN RACE - Alfie Coleman, Aged 6 (Retained his title)

MASCOTS RACE - Gareth Thomas, Jayman Lettings