Grimsby Minster is pleased to announce Grimsby’s Annual Pancake Day race returns again this year as a fun but competitive relay race.
Teams from the Minster led by the Fr Chris, North East Lincolnshire Council led by the Mayor, Cllr Steve Beasant, the Business Community coordinated by Mark Webb from e-factor and local schools will all complete, to be the first cross the finish line with all their pancakes intact.
The race, an annual event, will be held on Shrove Tuesday 21 Feb at 11am
The community event began several years ago thanks to Grimsby Minster and St James Hotel, with other local businesses becoming involved, and has become a community event. Traditionally the Minster Choristers raced away with their pancakes.
The national tradition of the pancake race dates back to 1445 and originated in the village of Olney, Buckinghamshire. It originated when a local woman heard the church bell announcing start of the service while she was making pancakes and carrying her frying pan and wearing an apron, she raced to arrive at church on time. In subsequent years, others in the community joined in the race and the tradition was born.
Amongst the features etched into the paving in St James Square are a couple of lines which mark, the old start and finish lines of a pancake race that used to be held annually.
Chefs at the St James Hotel will be cooking up pancakes for the race. Pancakes will also be available to the public near the hotel entrance during the morning.
Fr Chris Hewitt, Vicar of Grimsby Minster, said:
“I am delighted to be able to promote and take part in the pancake race for the first time and continue to support another of the great traditions of Grimsby.”
He offered grateful thanks to all at St James Hotel for their support in the organisation, adding, may the best team win!
The race between the Relay Teams will begin at 11am on Tuesday 21 February from the pancake race start line etched in the ‘Come Follow Me’ paving designed by artist Adrian Riley.
Cllr Steve Beasant, Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, added:
“I’m really looking forward to this year’s race and we want to see as many people there as possible.
“It’s such a fantastic tradition and it’s great to see that the old start and finish lines are etched in the paving at the renovated St James’ Square.
“I’m grateful for the invitation to take part and to my thanks go to everyone who is making arrangements to stage the event.”
Share this article