Hundreds flock to South Bay for Pancake Day tradition

Hundreds of residents and visitors flocked to the seafront in order to catch the thrills and spills of the pancake racing alongside the skipping, which has taken place in Scarborough for more than 100 years.

Mihaela Pricope, 47, and Jason Coleman, 41, of Glass House Bistro were one of many teams to participate in the pancake racing in Foreshore Road this year instead of its usual venue of Aberdeen Walk.

Mihaela said: “I was running out of breath towards the end. I was so excited when I saw the finish that I have managed to get through without falling over. But then I took a tumble! I still really enjoyed it and the event brings so many people to the town.”

The fancy dress theme was “Pancakes of the World” with attire ranging from a hot dog to Harry Potter as participants tackled the obstacle course in the gloriuous sunshine.

Visitors travelled from across the country including David Boyle and Julie Whitfield who came from Blackpool for the Pancake Day tradition.

David said: “I was told by Julie last year that this celebration took place and I didn’t believe her. We came along last year and had such a fantastic time we came again this year. It is such a unique event and I’d love to see it replicated in Blackpool.”

Scarborough is the only town where Shrove Tuesday long-rope skipping takes place with many schoolchildren allowed the afternoon off to take part in proceedings.

Scarborough residents Kevin and Lynn McMann, both 63, have attended the annual event for the past 59 years.

Lynn said: “I think it is a really important event for the town. It is a shame that Pancake Day fell out of half-term this year but we still have lots of Scarborough residents and visitors here. The biggest change we’ve seen over the years is that people used thick fishing ropes to skip. Now, there are thick, thin and all sorts of coloured skipping ropes. I think it is brilliant and it keeps the real sense of community in the town.”