Shrovetide Fair & Pancake Races –Tuesday 13 February 2024
Published: 14 February 2024
Shrovetide Fair & Pancake Races – Tuesday 13 February 2024
Lichfield celebrated Shrove Tuesday with the 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 r
ain didn’t scare the racers away as it commenced, led by our exuberant Town Crier, Adrian Holmes. Also attending, were the Mayor of Lichfield, Cllr Ann Hughes, Sheriff of Lichfield, Adam Burns-Mace, and Vice-Chair of Lichfield District Council, Cllr Richard Holland.
There were plenty of willing entrants with over 45 contestants. 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, with larger than usual crowds gathered both around the start & finish line, largely due to it being half term. It was great to see so many excited children getting involved.
The winner of the ladies’ final was Britney Lewis from John German Estate Agents. Britney will now have her name etched upon the special Golden Pancake Day trophy. She has also won an afternoon tea voucher, donated by the Tudor of Lichfield on Bore Street.
The winner of the men’s’ race was Will Preece from EPO Solicitors winning a £50 restaurant voucher, which coincidently, was donated by EPO themselves!
The winner of the children’s race was Laiyla Robinson-Hudin, aged 10. Laiyla was presented with a certificate, medal and family voucher to the Garrick Theatre, kindly donated by Howden Insurance. Howden’s also gave out free pancakes during the races outside their offices, which were a real crowd pleaser. A big well done to Laiyla & all the children who took part!
Last of all, victorious in the Mascots Race was Jack Devlin from John German, who ran dressed as Batman’s famous sidekick, Robin!
Following the races, the Civic Party made its way to the Market Square where the Mayor opened the Shrovetide fair, courtesy of Anthony Harris of ‘Pat Collins Funfair’, where the children, as per tradition, were able to enjoy 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; Howden Insurance, EPO Solicitors, Tudor of Lichfield & Tesco Extra, for donating over 100 pancakes for us to flip!
The City Council would also like to thank the following local businesses for taking part this year: Keelys Solicitors, Tenet Mortgage Services, John German, The Hub at St Marys, the Garrick Theatre, Lichfield Golf & Country Club, WIP Running Club, Lichfield Greenhill Bower, Basjoo Gardening Services & St Giles Hospice. Thanks also to BBC West Midlands for joining us to report on the day’s proceedings.
Pancake Race Winners 2024
GENTS RACE – Will Preece
LADIES RACE – Britney Lewis
UNDER 10’S RACE – Laiyla Robinson-Hudin
MASCOTS RACE – Jack Devlin