Shrovetide Fair and Pancake Races – Tuesday 4 March 2025

Published: 05 March 2025

Shrovetide Fair and Pancake Races – Tuesday 4 March 2025

Lichfield celebrated Shrove Tuesday yesterday 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 sunshine drew in the crowds, led by our exuberant town crier, Adrian Holmes. The Mayor of Lichfield, Cllr Sam Schafer, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Claire Pinder-Smith, Sheriff of Lichfield, Cathy Wood and Sheriff’s Consort Nigel Gann, oversaw the competition to ensure everyone followed the rules!

There were plenty of willing entrants with over 30 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 crowds gathered along the racetrack. Sadly, the Under-10s races were missed this year, with Shrovetide Tuesday falling during term time.

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 also won a mini bottle of champagne donated by Tesco Express and a £20 gift card.

The winner of the Gents race was Will Preece from EPO Solicitors, again receiving a mini bottle of champagne and a £20 gift card.

Last of all, victorious in the Mascots Race was Jack Devlin from John German Estate Agents, who ran dressed as a house! Jack took home a £50 cash prize which was generously donated by Wynniatt-Husey Chartered Accountants, located on Bore St.o

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 present 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 races; Wynniatt-Husey Ltd and Tesco Express, who also kindly donated over 50 pancakes for us to flip!

The City Council would also like to thank the following local businesses for taking part: Keelys Solicitors, Chattings Lettings agent, Davisons Law, Sheriff’s Ride Committee, Espace Europe, Ansons Solicitors, John German, Garrick Theatre, EPO Solicitors, Lichfield Golf & Country Club, Moseleys Solicitors, Paddy and Scott, Lichfield Greenhill Bower, St Giles Hospice.

Pancake Race Winners 2025

GENTS RACE – Will Preece

LADIES RACE – Britney Lewis

MASCOTS RACE – Jack Devlin

(Photo of the Mayor presenting the winner of the ladies’ race, Britney Lewis, with the Golden Pancake Day Trophy’)