Spitalfields annual Shrove Tuesday race raises money with pancake-flipping, fancy-dress and free hugs

Shrove Tuesday events are going on around the country. Pic: Hedvigs

Shrove Tuesday events are going on around the country. Pic: Hedvigs

The annual Great Spitalfields Pancake Race took place today, Shrove Tuesday, at Brick Lane, with teams gathering to raise money for the London’s Air Ambulance Service.

In their teams of four, Londoners compete by running up and down Dray Lane whilst flipping pancakes.

The teams fight for their name to be engraved on to the events’ token frying pan, whilst sporting a fancy-dress theme of their choice.

Mark Davies, Chief of Fundraising for London’s Air Ambulance Service said: “We treat on average 6 patients a day who are critically injured.”

“It is basically raising vital funds for our charity. We are very reliant on community support.”

Local suppliers have also donated to the cause, awarding extra prizes for ‘Best Dressed’ and ‘Best Behaved’. These goodies include jewellery from Tatty Devine on Brick Lane, Totes bags from Zealous, tickets to shows at the Backyard Comedy Club, Marks & Spencer’s vouchers, cakes at Brick Lane’s Café 1001, and not to mention free hugs from the event organisers!

With music from The Lost Marbles String Band and the E-Team Clowns to entertain the crowd, this Shrove Tuesday fundraising event is one not to be missed next year!

 

Video by Katherine Holley and Hannah Calder

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