Scarborough Skipping Day 2020 - everything you need to know

As the rest of the country rustles up pancakes tomorrow on Shrove Tuesday, Scarborough will also be celebrating in its own unique way.
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For some it's Shrove Tuesday, others Pancake Day but for Scarborough folk the day before Ash Wednesday is known as Skipping Day.

What is Skipping Day?

The name comes from the traditional long rope skipping which takes place on Foreshore Road each year.

Skipping on the seafront. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard PonterSkipping on the seafront. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter
Skipping on the seafront. Picture: JPI Media/ Richard Ponter
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The tradition goes back to at least 1903 and there are various theories as to how it started.

The first is that at this time of year fishermen would sort their ropes and nets and give those not fit for fishing to children to play with.

It could also be to do with Ball Day which was when stalls would line the foreshore selling children's toys, including skipping ropes.

Who starts the event?

The mayor Hazel Lynskey will kick off proceedings by ringing a bell.

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Since 1853 a town dignitary or celebrity has rung a bell at noon - originally to signal to housewives that they should begin making pancakes!

Pancake Race

The annual fancy dress pancake race will start at 12pm on Aberdeen Walk when the mayor sounds the bell.

This year Everyone Active has provided a full obstacle course for the race.

Tescos are giving bottled water, bananas and a £50 voucher to the winning team and Scarborough TEC are making the pancakes.

Teams can enter here.

When does skipping start?

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Straight after the pancake race in town the action moves to Foreshore Road where hundreds are expected to gather to start skipping.

The road will be closed to traffic to allow children to fill the street until 5pm.

Can children go?

Traditionally children are allowed to leave school at lunchtime to go skipping, with parental permission of course.

The following primary schools have confirmed children will be allowed to attend Skipping Day, though parents will need to tell the school if they are planning on taking their children out early.

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Check with your child's school directly on their policy for this.

- Gladstone Road

- Thomas Hinderwell

- Friarage

- Newby and Scalby

- Barrowcliff

- Seamer

- Cayton

- St Martins

- Wheatcroft

- Lindhead

- Northstead

Graham and Pindar secondary schools are still off from half term until Wednesday.

Children at St Augustine's will not be permitted to leave school early.

Scalby School is yet to confirm whether its students can attend.

Is it going to rain?

There is a chance of wet weather tomorrow afternoon, though this remains at a less than 20% chance and conditions should be fine and dry, if a little chilly.