| Where: | Alcester, Warwickshire, in the High Street |
| When: | Shrove Tuesday |
| Time: | 11.30 am - 1.30 pm |
There are pancake races in numerous locations around the UK every Shrove Tuesday, but a few stand out and the well-organised event at Alcester is one of them. Pancakes are traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday to use up the forbidden ingredients once eschewed by the faithful during Lent, and while a few people still give something up for the penitential season, with starts the following day on Ash Wednesday, most people mark the occasion by eating pancakes. Officials of the Court Leet take their places for the first race dressed in their regalia, lining up with their frying pans and running up to the finishing line beside St Nicholas’ Church. Many more races follow for men, women, children divided into heats by age and an inclusive Diversity Race, as well as relays for local businesses and pubs. Pancakes must be tossed along the way (and a special crew follow along gathering up the dropped pieces!). There’s a positive atmosphere and everyone gets a round of applause for taking part- and there are prizes for the winners.
Helpful Hints
In 2027 it should be on Tuesday February 9th. Racers can just turn up on the day to take part, and the High Street is closed to traffic for the event.
Shrove Tuesday moves date from year to year because it’s linked to the moveable feast of Easter, and can be from early February into March. The Court Leet are involved with other traditions around the year including Assizes and St Nicholas Night (see separate articles).
Tasty pancakes were available at the Cafe on the High Street when we went.
Click here for the Court Leet’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AlcesterCourtLeet
and here for their website: https://www.alcestercourtleet.co.uk
