Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Mayor of Olney and Ward Cllr Debbie Whitworth joined by Ward Cllr Keith McLean
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
- Olney Pancake Race 2024
Did you know Olney is the home of the world famous pancake race?
over 550 years ago, the story has it that a local townswoman ran down the Olney High Street holding a frying pan, fearing that she would be late for church. Little did she know, centuries later her late comings would result in an annual world-famous pancake race.
Nobody really knows how the race originated, however, the story of the woman running hurriedly to confess her sins at the sound of the shriving bell seems to overtake the rest.
Shrove Tuesday has always been of religious significance to the townsfolk of Olney. It is the day before Lent, which is the start of the traditional fast. Traditionally, people were to give up dairy products for Lent, meaning the products were put into a pancake mix. For the Olney women, it was also important to attend the Shriving service before the start of Lent, where they could confess their sins ahead of Ash Wednesday.
In 1445, the first pancake race is said to have taken place in Olney. The women of the town grabbed their apron and hat, running down the high street to the church door. Centuries later, today, the women of Olney are still picking up their frying pans to take part in the timed race.
Each year, people travel from far and wide to witness the world-famous event. The race was even featured in a book about 500 things to witness across the globe!
Sponsored Stories
Local News
-
Which roads will be closed for the Milton Keynes Marathon on Bank holiday weekend?
With the Milton Keynes Marathon returning on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May, a number of roads will be closed.
-
Police appeal for witnesses following a robbery in Milton Keynes
The incident occurred at approximately 10.20pm on Friday 19 April at Briar Hill in Stacey Bushes.
-
Olney retailers unite to raise over £6,000 for Willen Hospice with charity fashion show
A charity fashion show hosted by Olney's top fashion retailers has successfully raised over £6,000 for local palliative care charity Willen Hospice.
-
Cranfield University leads UK research sector in new commitment for sustainable practices
Committing to reduce the environmental impacts of its research activities, Cranfield University has joined organisations in the UK research and innovation sector as a founding signatory to a new agreement on research and innovation practices.
-
New Musical Theatre Saturday School launches in central Milton Keynes
Arts1, a performing arts school in Milton Keynes, has announced the launch of its latest program, the Arts1 Musical Theatre Saturday School, starting on the 18 May 2024 for kids aged between 4-17.
-
Local restaurant celebrates Love MK Day with unique Pay-What-You-Like lunch
Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar in The Hub is proud to announce its participation in Love MK Day on Thursday 2 May, with a special pay-what-you-like lunch event from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
-
Milton Keynes charity invites multi-faith communities to talk openly about death, dying and grief
Willen Hospice, in partnership with Gamiel Yafai, author & award-winning diversity & inclusion strategist, invites the community to an open roundtable discussion event focused on "The Way We Talk About Dying Matters."
-
Milton Keynes theme park hailed a great place to work as it celebrates its 25th birthday
Two long-serving employees at Gulliver’s Land have praised the theme park’s strong teamwork ethic as it marks its 25th birthday.
-
Man sentenced for child sex offences in Milton Keynes
Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police a man has been sentenced to over 8 years after being convicted of child sex offences.
-
Milton Keynes Breakers trio win National Awards
Jordan Spencer, Chris Tawiah and Buai Luak have all been recognised in the Basketball England end of Season Awards for NBL Division 2 South. The awards are voted by the coaches of opposing teams in the league.
-
Aqua Parcs Milton Keynes launches £3,000 schools competition
Aqua Parcs, Willen Lake, which opens on Saturday 4 May, is thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative schools competition that is set to ignite the imaginations of young minds across the region.
-
More than 32,000 new homes needed in Milton Keynes by 2040
Milton Keynes needs to build more than 32,700 new homes in less than two decades to meet the needs of the city’s 2040 population.
Weather
-
Sat
10°C
-
Sun
9°C
-
Mon
14°C
-
Tue
17°C
-
Wed
18°C
- How To Listen To MKFM
- MKFM and GDPR Data Regulation
- Contact Us
- Complaints Procedure
- Competition Terms and Conditions
© 2020 MKFM Limited - Radio Made In Milton Keynes. Powered by Aiir.