Alton Town Council is excited to announce that the popular event returns to the Public Gardens on Tuesday 13th February. Registration will open at 10.00am and will close promptly 10:30am, with the first race starting at approximately 10.45am.
A big thank you to Acorns Coffee and Cake for their generous sponsorship of Alton’s Pancake Race. Their support truly enhances this community event. Located in the Public Gardens, Acorns Coffee and Cake invites you to drop by and indulge in a delightful hot/cold drink paired with a scrumptious slice of cake!
The tradition of pancake races has its roots in medieval England, dating back to the 15th century. According to popular folklore, the practice began in the town of Olney in Buckinghamshire.
Legend has it that a woman engrossed in making pancakes lost track of time when she heard the church bells ringing for the Shrove Tuesday church service. Realising she was late, she raced to the church still holding her frying pan with a pancake. Over time, this spontaneous act turned into an annual event, evolving into the organized and spirited pancake races we see today.
Races will take place along the Lime Tree Avenue, with individual races for the children and team relay races in which groups of friends, local businesses, charities and community groups are invited to join in the fun of the day.
Fancy dress is encouraged, adding to the frivolity of this well attended Alton event with a prize up for grabs for the best dressed participant.
Pancake Race categories are as follows:
Nutella – Preschool
Lemon & Sugar – (Years R – 2 Infants)
Milk – (Years 3 – 6 Juniors)
Flour – (Year 7 – 11 Secondary)
Eggs – relay race for teams of up to 8 people
Entrance is £1.00 per child or £5.00 per team.