Skipping day 2023: Everything you need to know about one of Scarborough's oldest traditions

Scarborough traditionally celebrates Shrove Tuesday in style, and this year will be no exception.

On Tuesday, February 21, the annual Pancake Day events will take place in the town centre.

Skipping will take place on Foreshore Road, with local schools leaving classes early to participate.

The annual fancy dress Pancake Races, which are organised by Scarborough Borough Council in partnership with This is the Coast, will take place on Aberdeen Walk.

Councillor Eric Broadbent, Scarborough Mayor, will ring the pancake bell located on North Street at 12 noon, and the races starts at 12.15pm.

Scarborough Sea Cadets will be serving up pancakes for the hungry skippers at their unit on East Sandgate, from 12noon.

Last year’s pancake races saw Great British Bake Off stars Freya Cox and Lizzie Acker reach the semi-final, but Huntriss Row McDonald’s beat Boyes to the Golden Frying Pan.

Find out how to get involved here.

Where did the Shrove Tuesday celebrations originate from?

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.

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