On Tuesday 5 March, twenty teams from local businesses in Bankside will congregate at London’s famous Borough Market to compete in the grand Better Bankside Pancake Day Race.
Visitors to London may often be confused by many local traditions but they often go back centuries. Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day is the day in February or March immediately preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent). In a number of countries, Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day celebrate by consuming pancakes. This tradition is related to using up foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before Lent. The custom of British Christians eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday dates to at least the 16th century.
Although specifically celebrated by Christians, Pankcake Day is now enjoyed by everyone and ‘pancake races’ go back to the 15th century. The rules of the race are participants with frying pans race through the streets tossing pancakes into the air and catching them in the pan while running over a particular course.
Locals and visitors encouraged to support to the competitors, who will speed back and forth across the Market’s Jubilee Place, flipping as they race.
Spectators can do more than just look at pancakes – they can also get their hands on some for consumption thanks to guest trader Crêpes à la Carte.
What: Better Bankside Pancake Day Race
When: Tuesday 5 March, 12.30 – 14.00
Where: Borough Market, Jubilee Place (opposite
Winchester Walk)
The event is free but funds raised from the event will go to a local charity, Paintings in Hospitals, collection boxes will be available if people wish to donate.
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