This is my first piece on this here Lichfield Blog, so go easy on me!
The coveted Pancake Race 'Trophy'
My first assignment was to go along to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race in the centre of Lichfield.
Camera in hand, I managed to wriggle my way into the Parc Fermé inside the barriers, where I spotted @philipjohn peering over the barriers near Donegal House.
As with any Lichfield event, it was suitably cheesy and camp – with a dash of the usual pompous ceremony and regalities, as well as a 70′s Throwback MC to keep the circus running. Everyone was there to see who would walk away with this year’s coveted Pancake Race Trophy
What I fail to understand, is why the fair in Market Square began this week and not last (during Half Term) – surely it would have been more popular then.
Regardless, the Mayor, Town Crier and all the other cape-wearing bigwigs seemed to enjoy the waltzers, and even came back with a bag of Candy Floss!
The races were separated into different categories and heats – Men’s, Women’s and ‘Mascots’; which included a speccy man in a Scooby Doo costume, two people dressed as 70′s ‘Disco Stu’ style vicars, two dental nurses, a recycled ‘Wesley‘ costume from the Wacky Warehouse, and a giant Orange Dragon thing.
All the races went well – with exception of the Men’s final when one poor fellow tripped over the new cobblestones on Bore St which threw him and his frying pan to the ground. Face first, ouch.
The crowd, as expected, was full of the blue-rinse brigade, young parents, and some loud Italian exchange students. Two of whom entered into the Men’s race – but were beaten by Lichfield’s finest Tosser (in the Pancake sense!)
Be sure to check out the photos below for full coverage!
All content © Nick Brickett 2009
Great first post Mr B.
I’m astonished by the whole pompous ceremony surrounding this.
And it also comes back to one of my regular points – if Lichfield wants to be this quaint historic city of tradition then it must throw its eggs into that basket. If it does that, though, it can’t then sell out to the likes of Poundland!
By: Sammy J on February 24, 2009
at 3:00 pm
Great first post, and photos! Haha it may be bizarre but it’s good fun. I have a new found respect for tradition.
By: Philip John on February 24, 2009
at 3:12 pm
Thanks chaps. Was quite an enjoyable experience. Especially being inside the barriers – people must have thought I was somebody! haha.
By: Nick B on February 24, 2009
at 3:23 pm
I’m looking forward to comparing Nick’s coverage with that of the local rag. I think I know who’s going to win
Great post, Nick, can’t wait until your next ‘Shroving’ Report!
By: tonypiper on February 24, 2009
at 4:14 pm
Laughed out loud at the line:
“…it was suitably cheesy and camp – with a dash of the usual pompous ceremony and regalities.”
It sums up my very feelings about every event I’ve been to in Lichfield.
Great stuff.
By: Ian on February 24, 2009
at 5:08 pm
Nice Post Nick. It needs more grumpy to be in tone with the other posts : )
It’s funny I was born here but can never remember watching this. I think it wasn’t cool enough for me when I was younger and now I don’t have time due to work.
By: aphex666 on February 24, 2009
at 5:43 pm
[...] pancake race goodness As if Nick B’s fab pictures from the event weren’t enough of a treat for you readers of TheLichfieldBlog, we’ve now [...]
By: More pancake race goodness « The Lichfield Blog on February 25, 2009
at 10:19 am